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HISTORY 



OF 



NEW BEDFORD 



Under the Editorial Direction of 

ZEPHANIAH W. PEASE 

Editor ot The Morning Mercury 



^ 



VOLUME I 



ILLUSTRATED 



The Lewis Historical Publishing Company 

New York 

1918 



Copyright, 1918. 
The Lewis Historical Publishing Company. 



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CONTENTS 



Page 
CHAPTER I— The Beginnings— An Old-time Picture 5 

CHAPTER n — Early Days and Doings — Settlement of Old Dart- 
mouth — Attack by Indians — Military Records 8 

CHAPTER HI— New Bedford as a Village— Joseph Rotch 13 

CHAPTER IV— The British Invasion— Dartmouth in the British 

Raid of 1778— Buildings and Ships Burned by the British 16 

CHAPTER V— The Brave Industry of Whaling— Early Ships and 

Shipmasters 2° 

CHAPTER VI— The Golden Age— The Whale Fishery 37 

CHAPTER VII— New Bedford in Melville's Time— The Spouter 

Inn — Seamen's Bethel — Tragic Deaths 42 

CHAPTER VIII— Whaling Disasters— Privateering— Ship Taken 
by Pirates— Ships Crushed in the Arctic Ocean— Some Notable 
Voyages 4" 

CHAPTER IX— The Story of the Stone Fleet— Vessels Compris- 
ing It — Their Commanders 5° 

CHAPTER X— The Arctic Disaster of 1871— Its Story by William 

F. Williams 5^ 

CHAPTER XI— The Whaling Classic, Told by Mate Williams- 
Comments by Colonel Roosevelt 68 

CHAPTER XII— Whaling Hazards and Methods— Exhibition of 

Old Dartmouth Historical Society 7i 

CHAPTER XIII— Curious Whaling Industries, Crafts and Profes- 
sions—Agents and "Sharks"— Outfitters Association 75 

CHAPTER XIV— Ambergris— Stories of Great Catches 85 

CHAPTER XV— Whalemen's Experiences— Losses of Ships 89 

CHAPTER XVI— Old Log Books— A Thriller— Murder on the 

High Seas 92 

CHAPTER XVII— Whaling Memorials— The Crapo Monument, 

Bourne Museum, and Barnard Monument — The "Lagoda" 99 

CHAPTER XVIII— Pen Pictures of Typical Whalemen— "A Dead 

Whale, or a Stove Boat" — Famous Captains 107 



iv NFAV BEDFORD 

Page 

CHAPTER XIX— Period from 1778 to 1812— The First Newspaper 

—New Bedford Set Ofif from Dartmouth "7 

CHAPTER XX— Early Landed Proprietors— Building Operations 

— Some Famous Houses — Banking and Insurance 122 

CHAPTER XXI— Old Buildings, by Henry H. Crape 138 

CHAPTER XXII— Gossip of the High and Far-ofT Times— Famous 

Characters 15° 

CHAPTER XXIII— War of 1812-14— Ships Taken by the British 

— Return of Peace loi 

CHAPTER XXIV— Period from. 1812 to 1830— The Great Gale- 
New Bedford's Shipping List— Business Houses— Necrology- 
The Ark Riots 168 

CHAPTER XXV— Period from 1830 to 1840 — Street Improvements 
— Financial Institutions — Postal Improvement — Necrology — 
Military Organizations I77 

CHAPTER XXVI— From 1840 to 1847— Death of President Harri- 
son — Visit of Former President John Quincy Adams — New 
Bedford Guards — Petition for City Charter — Necrological 183 

CHAPTER XXVII— From 1847 to i860— Organization of City 
Government — Death of President Taylor — Destructive Fires — 
Prominent Streets Opened — Necrological 189 

CHAPTER XXVIII— Civil War Period— Home Defense— Prepa- 
rations for the War — Organization of Troops — The Navy — 
Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument I95 

CHAPTER XXIX— The Quarter Century Following the Civil War 
• — Celebration of Dartmouth Anniversary — City Water System 
Inaugurated — Visit of Charles Dickens— Visit of President 
Grant — Centennial Celebration — Important Manufactures Estab- 
lished — Necrological 203 

CHAPTER XXX— From 1890 to Close of 1916— Semi-Centennial 
of City Celebrated — Development of Manufacturing Interests 
— An Era of Building 210 

CHAPTER XXXI— Banks of Old Dartmouth— Bedford Bank- 
Merchants' Bank — Fairhaven Bank — Mechanics' Bank — Marine 
Bank — Citizens' Bank — New Bedford Institution for Savings — 
Fairhaven Institution for Savings — Five Cents Savings Bank — 
Cooperative Bank — Safe Deposit and Trust Company — Morris 
Plan Bank 218 



NEW BEDFORD v 

Page 

CHAPTER XXXII — Courts and Lawyers— Lawyers in 1767— 

Lawyers of Later Date 254 

CHAPTER XXXIII— The Medical Profession— Early Physicians 

— Those of After Years 258 

CHAPTER XXXIV— The Post Office— First in New Bedford- 
Postmasters Down to the Present Time 262 

CHAPTER XXXY— Custom House History 268 

CHAPTER XXXVI— City Government and Leading Departments 271 
CHAPTER XXXVII— Newspapers— Early Publications— The Mer- 
cury — Newspaper Celebrities 285 

CHAPTER XXXVIII— Religious Institutions— Churches and Min- 
isters of All Denominations — Seamen's Bethel — The Port Soci- 
ety — Charitable Societies 289 

CHAPTER XXXIX— The Public Schools— Friends' Academy- 
Swain Free School of Design — Textile School — Vocational 

School — Parochial Schools 30^ 

CHAPTER XL— Free Public Library 308 

CHAPTER XLI— Fraternal Orders— Other Societies 317 

CHAPTER XLII— Patrician Homes, by Henry B. Worth 323 

CHAPTER XLIII— Authors, by George H. Tripp 330 




INTRODUCTION 



A reason for this work may be found in the fact that it is twenty- 
five years since a history of New Bedford was written. In that period 
New Bedford has advanced industrially until it is the first city in the 
United States in the value of textile products turned out by its mills, 
which supports the claim that New Bedford now takes first rank among 
all the cities in the country in the cotton manufacturing industry. This 
position was achieved in the last quarter of a century and the wonderful 
story of industrial development, with a record of the men of this genera- 
tion who have wrought the achievement, should be made a matter of 
record. 

In the period, furthermore, a vast quantity of material relating to 
our early history has come to light. Records have been discovered which 
have never appeared in any of the earlier histories, which should be pre- 
served in permanent form. For example, only a few years ago William 
W. Crapo came across a portfolio written by his father, the late Henry 
Rowland Crapo, a New Bedford man who became Governor of Michi- 
gan. Its contents had not been disturbed for more than fifty years. It 
turned out to be a transcript of narratives received at first hand of the 
story of the British raid upon the village of Dartmouth in 1778. This 
record is now in the custody of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society, 
which has accumulated thousands of pages of local history that have 
never appeared in print outside of the bulletins of the society. Much 
material from those virgin sources are incorporated in the pages which 
follow. 

New Bedford has been particularly fortunate in men and women 
whose interest in the affairs of the community have led them to con- 
tribute to treasures in manuscript stored in the archives of the Free 
Public Library and the Historical Society. Of published histories, there 
are two of pretence. The first is that by Daniel Ricketson, published in 
1857. This small volume grew out of a paper prepared by Mr. Ricketson 
for the local Lyceum in 1831. Mr. Ricketson subsequently wrote a series 
of historical articles for the New Bedford "Mercury," which were later 
published in book form. The mass of material is not presented with 
much regard to sequence or balance. None better realized this than Mr. 
Ricketson, who in one of his earlier prefaces claimed the chief value of 
the publication to lie in the preservation of fragments, "so that those who 
come after us," he wrote, "may have a nucleus round which to form a 
full and complete history when our youthful city shall take its place, as it 



2 NEW BEDFORD 

is evidently destined at no very distant day to do, if it has not already, 
among the chief cities of the country.' All subsequent historians have 
drawn upon this source. It was a long interval before a second history 
appeared, which was that compiled by Leonard B. Ellis and published 
in 1902. These histories are now out of print, and it is interesting to 
consider that the little volume to which Mr. Ricketson gave loving care 
and cherished with pride now brings five dollars a volume at old book 
shops, whereas in Mr. Ricketson's day he could not dispose of his edition 
at a dollar and a half a volume. 

But while the number of published histories is so limited, there is 
the mass of vagrant material to which we have alluded. It is constantly 
revealed in ancient attics and other fascinating places. Old manuscripts 
record not only matters of great historical value, but little details, as well 
as stories of men and women who lived in the high and far-off times. 
Through this habit of a group of narrators, we have preserved to us such 
information as the identity of the first man who drove a horse on Pur- 
chase street, and the first man in the town to wear suspenders, and simi- 
lar annals of the days when this was a quiet neighborhood. 

William Logan Fisher, who married a daughter of the late Samuel 
Rodman, wrote reminiscences in the later days of his life, and the manu- 
script is still preserved. The late James B. Congdon was an indefatiga- 
ble recorder of quaint and curious events in connection with our early 
history, making a specialty of incidents which would otherwise have been 
overlooked ; and it is the judgment of historians that he used rare good 
discrimination. One of the most delightful of these records, only a 
chosen few have been permitted to read, but it will one day, it is trusted, 
find a repository with the Historical Society. At present its custodians 
are opposed to its publication, since it touches the innermost affairs of 
some of ow old families. This is a diary kept with the faithfulness of 
Mr. Pepys, and not without the charm of that famous recorder, by the 
late Joseph R. Anthony, in the period of 1820. It contains a record of 
the business of the day, including statistics of oil receipts and shipments, 
and stories of daily incidents, such as the journey of William Rotch in 
his chaise to take the boat at Newport for New York. But more impor- 
tant than all, is a social record. Mr. Anthony was a companion of James 
Arnold, and married Catherine Russell, who was one of three sisters who 
were the belles of the town in an older day. Lydia Russell married Gov- 
ernor Swain, and Sarah Russell married Joseph Grinnell. These young 
women loved dancing and music, and they were disciplined therefor by 
the Society of Friends to which they belonged. There are intimate 
Quaker records, and the diary is a fascinating chronicle. 

The addresses of William W. Crapo, who enjoys the title of our 
First Citizen, made on various public occasions, are full of grace and 
charm, as well as historical lore: and Henry H. Crapo, his son, is a con- 
tributor to local hist(jrical literature. The community is deeply indebted 



NEW BEDFORD 3 

to the indefatigable work of Henry B. Worth along many lines of re- 
search, and he has assembled a great deal of material representing great 
labor and painstaking. 

From all these and many other sources we have drawn. While there 
cannot be variety in the bare facts of early history, we have pursued the 
policy of treating with less detail and circumstance the events in early 
Indian and colonial history which the historians who have preceded us 
have covered, elaborating on the personal side of events and episodes 
where new material has been available to supplement and embellish the 
older histories. Zephaniah W. Pease. 




CHAPTER I. 
The Beginnings. — An Old-Time Picture of New Bedford. 

The stranger within the gates of the city is quickly impressed by its 
contradictions of aspect. If he comes by train, his first glimpse is of 
stretches of great mills, congeries of tenement blocks in garish new 
streets — all modern. There is nothing in the first appearance that sug- 
gests tradition, or a city of mature and mellow charm. 

But later, when he walks about the old town, he comes upon the 
great estates of a far-of¥ day, when men of fortune and taste could com- 
mand room to indulge their spacious fancies. Stately mansions of stone 
and wood, set back from the street, surrounded by extensive lawns and 
ancient trees, with old-fashioned gardens, the flower beds bordered by 
box, and arbors overgrown with roses. These mansions are places of 
distinction, suggesting caste, aloofness and tradition. In the ancient 
days County street, or County "road," as it was called, was lined with 
patrician homes. Great elms towered in cathedral arches above the 
street, crowding into a shade ; the lindens were sweet with blossoms and 
musical with the hum of bees ; the birds sang in the branches ; the grass 
was green in the wayside ; in the pleasant gardens the flowers grew 
sweet and fair in the sunshine, and when the day was done 

Gray twilight poured 
On dewy pastures, dewy trees. 
Softer than sleep — all things in order stond 

A haunt of ancient Peace. 

The sight of these manifestations of wealth and culture beguiles us 
into telling the story of the romantic age of New Bedford's history, when 
it led the world in the fascinating industry of whaling, and to continue 
the tale to the present day, a story of brave men who turned from a 
unique industry supplanted by modern discovery to a manufacturing 
avocation, in which it achieved first place. Thereby, New Bedford pos- 
sesses the unusual distinction of being a city in which the clock has 
struck twelve twice in succession. 

Since we have started with description, we may continue for a while. 
New Bedford has been fortunate in having admirers from early times 
who left records behind. Bartholomew Gosnold came in 1602, bringing 
a group of gentlemen adventurers, among whom was an accomplished 
journalist, as well as a historian who wrote an account of the voyage, 
which he presented to Sir Walter Raleigh. Gosnold was searching out 
a direct course to Virginia, and he discovered the group of islands at the 
mouth of Buzzards Bay. building a fortification on an islet in a fresh 
water pond on the island of Cuttyhunk. This was Gosnold's rendezvous. 



6 NEW BEDFORD 

He crossed the bay and discovered the Acushnet river, on the west bank 
of which New Bedford was built. Here Gosnold found "stately groves, 
flowery meadows and running brooks." Even at that day the hospitality 
of the people was conspicuous, for it is recorded that "on the shore he 
was met by a company of natives, men, women and children, who with 
all courteous kindness entertained him, giving him skins of wild beasts, 
tobacco, turtles, hemp, artificial strings colored (wampum) and such like 
things as they had about them." 

Skipping over many periods, to be filled in in succeeding chapters, 
we come to the golden age of whaling, when Herman Melville, whose 
story "Moby Dick" is the finest contribution to the literature of whaling, 
preserved to us a description of New Bedford in the late '50s which whets 
interest. Writes Melville : 

In thoroughfares nigh the docks, any considerable seaport will fre- 
quently offer to view the queerest looking nondescripts from foreign 
parts. Even in Broadway and Chestnut streets. Mediterranean mariners 
will sometimes jostle the affrighted ladies. Regent street is not unknown 
to Lascars and Malays ; and at Bombay, in the Apollo Green, live Yan- 
kees who have often scared the natives. But New Bedford beats all 
Water street and Wapping. In these last mentioned haunts you see only 
sailors but in New Bedford, actual cannibals stand chattering at street 
corners ; savages outright ; many of whom yet carry on their bones 
unholy flesh. It makes a stranger stare. 

But besides the Feejeeans, Tongatabooars, Erromangoans, Pannan- 
gians, and Brighgians, and. besides the wild specimens of the whaling 
craft which unheeded reel about the streets, you will see other sights 
still more curious, certainly more comical. There weekly arrive in this 
town scores of green Vermonters and New Hampshire men, all athirst 
for gain and glory in the fishery. They are mostly young, of stalwart 
frames ; fellows who have felled forests, and now seek to drop the axe and 
snatch the whale-lance. Many are as green as the Green Mountains 
whence they came. In some things you would think them but a few 
hours old. Look there ! that chap strutting round the corner. He wears 
a beaver hat and swallow-tailed coat, girdled with a sailor belt and 
sheath knife. Here comes another with a sou'-wester and a bombazine 
cloak. 

No town-bred dandy will compare with a country-bred one--I mean 
a downright bumpkin dandy — a fellow that, in the dog days, will mow 
his two acres in buckskin gloves for fear of tanning his hands. Now 
when a country dandy like this takes it into his head to make a distin- 
guished reputation, and joins the great whale-fishery, you should see the 
comical things he does upon reaching the sea-port. In bespeaking his 
sea outfit, he orders bell-buttons to his waistcoats ; straps to his canvas 
trousers. Ah, poor Hay Seed! how bitterly you will burst those straps 
in the first howling gale, when thou art driven, straps, button, and all, 
down the throat of the tempest. 

But think not that this famous town has only harpooners, cannibals, 
and bumpkins to show her visitors. Nowhere in all America will you 
find more patrician-like houses ; parks and gardens more opulent, than in 



NEW BEDFORD 7 

New Bedford. Whence came they ; how planted upon this once scraggy 
scoria of a country? 

Go and gaze on the iron emblematical harpoons round yonder lofty 
mansion, and your question will be answered. Yes ; all these brave 
houses and flowery gardens came from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian 
oceans. One and all, they were harpooned and dragged up hither from 
the bottom of the sea. Can Herr Alexander perform a feat like this? 

In New Bedford, fathers, they say, give whales fiir dowers to their 
daughters, and portion ofif their nieces with a few porpoises apiece. You 
must go to New Bedford to see a brilliant wedding; for, they say, they 
have reservoirs of oil in every house, and every night recklessly burn 
their lengths in spermaceti candles. 

In summer time, the town is sweet to see ; full of fine maples — long 
avenues of green and gold. And in April, high in air, the beautiful and 
bountiful horse-chestnuts, candelabra-wise, profifer the passer-by their 
tapering upright cones tif congregated blossoms. So omnipotent is art, 
which in many a district of New Bedford has superinduced bright ter- 
races of flowers upon the barren refuse rocks thrown aside at creation's 
final day. 

And the women of New Bedford, they bloom like their own red roses. 
But roses only bloom in summer; whereas the fine carnation of their 
cheeks is perennial as sunlight in the seventh heavens. Elsewhere match 
that bloom of theirs, ye cannot, save in Salem, where they tell me the 
young girls breathe such musk, their sailor sweethearts smell them miles 
oiT shore, as though they were drawing nigh the odorous Moluccas 
instead of the Puritanic sands. 

Those who visit New Bedford to-day will see such a city as Melville 
saw not, albeit a few of the fine mansions and opulent gardens remain. 
The city has now made the land tributary to her wealth. The old ships 
that crowded the wharves have gone. So have the industries allied to 
whaling — the oil refineries, the candle works, the cooper shops, the shops 
where harpoons and other articles of whalecraft were made. A new city 
has been builded. We shall tell the story of what New Bedford was and 
what it has retained and what it has become, a story of brave associations 
in which the past and present are inextricably blended, for it was the 
fathers who laid the foundation for the achievements which are the pride 
of the people of New Bedford. 



CHAPTER II. 
Early Days and Doings. 

When in 1602 Bartholomew Gosnold discovered the group of islands 
known as the Elizabeth Islands (which he named in honor of his Queen), 
he left his men to build a fort and storehouse upon one of the group, 
while he crossed the bay (Buzzards) and discovered the mouth of the 
river (Acushnet) on the west shore of which later arose the city of New 
Bedford, Massachusetts. This was in March, and in June of the same 
year he sailed for England with his ship loaded with sassafras root, furs 
and other commodities purchased from the Indians, who had treated the 
strangers with "all courteous kindness." This is the first recorded com- 
mercial intercourse between New and Old England, and indicates the 
friendliness that at first existed between the English and the Indians. 
In 1620 came the "Mayflower" with her immortal body of men and 
women, who amid hardship and suffering founded a new nation. Other 
vessels with their bands of colonists anrived ; Plymouth Colony became 
an established fact, Salem was settled in 1628, and Massachusetts Bay in 
1630. From these and from later settlements went forth the pioneers 
who invaded the interior and forced their way up and down the coast, 
founding communities, and in due time Scituate, Middleboro, Taunton 
and Dartmouth became known as trading points and centres of civiliza- 
tion, with civic government schools and churches. It was not until 1652 
that Dartmouth was purchased from the Indian, Sachem Massasoit, and 
his son Wamsutta, the old Indian deed naming as the purchasers, Mr. 
William Bradford, Captain Standish, Thomas Southworth, John Wins- 
low, John Cooke, and "the rest of their associates or old comers." 

The owners of the whole township of Dartmouth, which was divided 
into thirty-four shares, were named in Plymouth Colony records. Book 
2, page 107, where the boundaries of the purchase are also set forth. The 
owners were : Mr. William Bradford, one whole part or share ; Captain 
Standish, Mr. John Alden, Mr. Collyer and Sarah Brewster ; Mr. How- 
land and William Bassett ; George Morton, Manasses Kempton, James 
Hurst, John Dunham, Sr., John Shaw, Sr., Francis Cooke, John Cooke, 
Joshua Pratt, George Soule, Constant Southworth, Thomas Southworth, 
Miss Jennings, Steven Tracye, John Faunce, Henry Sampson, Philip 
Delanoye, Miss Warren, Robert Bartlett, William Palmer, Edward 
Dotye, Samuel Hickes, Peter Browne, Francis Sprague, Moses Simons, 
Samuel Eaton, Thomas Morton, Samuel Cutbert, Edward Holman, Ed- 
ward Bumpus. While these were the owners of thirty-four shares into 
which the purchase was divided, there were other settlers in the town- 
ship prior to 1652. 

The town of Dartmouth was incorporated in 1664 and sent its first 



NEW BEDFORD 9 

representative, John Russell, to the General Court at Plymouth. John 
Cooke, one of the boys of the "Mayflower,'' and the only one of the origi- 
nal grantees of the town who became a resident, located his home in 
Oxford Village, Fairhaven. He was a Baptist preacher, represented the 
town at Plymouth court six years, was authorized to make contracts of 
marriage, administer oaths, perform various legal duties, and was one of 
the important men of the town. He died in 1694, and was buried at 
Burial Hill. Fairhaven. The will of William Wood, when probated, 
was found to contain this bequest: "And whereas the bodies of some 
persons that were of good account in their day were buried on the little 
hummock or island in the meadow at the foot of my homestead com- 
monly called 'Burial Hill,' and I not willing that their graves be any 
way defaced do therefore in this my will hereby give the said hummock 
or island to or for a burying place forever." During King Philip's war 
the township of Dartmouth was laid waste by the Indians, many of the 
settlers lost their lives, homes were abandoned, and those who escaped 
death sought safety at the garrison houses located, one at Fairhaven, 
just north of the present site of Riverside Cemetery, at the home of John 
Cooke, and known as Cooke's Garrison ; another on the north bank of the 
Apponagansett river, known as Russell's Garrison ; the third on Palmer's 
Island. The demoralization of the township was so complete that for 
three years thereafter taxes were suspended, and the unfortunate settlers 
were relieved of other burdens. With the death of King Philip the diffi- 
culties with the Indians ended, the courage of the settlers revived, and 
the town again resumed its prosperous way. The Indian wars which 
wrought such damage might have been avoided, but the difficulties that 
beset the Pilgrims must be considered ; and now, with the world in arms, 
no criticism is just that lays the blame for those years of sufifering upon 
either of the parties thereto ; both had provocation, both erred, and both 
suffered. 

The devastation of the town of Dartmouth was so thorough and 
complete that for three years no attempt was made to reorganize and 
establish the government. At the town meeting held May 17, 1675, only 
a month previous to the destruction of the town by the Indians, "John 
Cooke was chosen deputy; John Russell, constable; Joseph AUinne, 
grand juryman ; John Cooke, Arthur Hathaway and James Shaw, select- 
men ; William Earle, John Hawerd, Jr., and Thomas Briggs, surveyors." 
The first recorded town meeting after the war was held June 20, 1678. 
Seth Pope was chosen constable, and Arthur Hathaway grand juryman. 
Full town government was resumed in 1679, when John Cooke was again 
chosen deputy, and the town resumed an orderly permanent form of 
government. In 1685 the town was summoned to Plymouth court to 
explain why they had been remiss in providing for the support of a mmis- 
ter of the gospel amongst them. The outcome was that in 1686 it was 



10 NEW BEDFORD 

ordered by vote of the town that a meeting house be built that "shall be 
24 feet long, 16 feet wide, 9 feet stud." Meetings of the Society of 
Friends were established in the township about the same time ; the Dart- 
mouth monthly meeting was organized in 1699, the first meeting house 
built on the site now occupied by the one in Apponegansett, and records 
of the society from that date until the present have been preserved. A 
little later the cause of education was given public attention, and in 
1704-05 Daniel Shepherd was chosen schoolmaster, his salary "eighteen 
pounds and his debt." In 1728 it was voted "that there shall be two 
schoolmasters upon the town charge besides the grammar schoolmas- 
ter." The following record, passed in 1733, shows the manner and 
amount of compensation : Voted "that William Lake as grammar school- 
master paid forty-five per annum;" voted "that all people who receive 
benefit of the said schoolmaster by sending their children shall frankly 
give said master their proportional part of his diet, washing and lodging 
as he shall be removed by order of the selectman." In 1730 two minis- 
ters, Philip Taber and Nicholas Davis, "were chosen and approbated as 
ministers to dispense the word of God and promote the gospel of Christ." 
At the town meeting held November 23, 1730, the town by vote placed 
itself on record against the sale of ardent spirits. In 1736 the bounds 
between Dartmouth and Tiverton were defined by the selectmen of the 
two towns. In 1739 a new town house was ordered built. Captain Sam- 
uel Willis, George Lawton and John Rowland being chosen a committee 
to superintend its erection. In 1747 an effort was made to have Acush- 
net Village set off from Dartmouth, but it failed. In 1758 the township 
was compelled to furnish its quota of soldiers as follows : 

Return of the men inlisted or impressed in Dartmouth for His 
Majestys Service within the Province of Massachusetts Bay in the regi- 
ment: Whereof: Ezra Richmond by — 5 col, to be put under the imme- 
diate command of His Excellency Jeffrey Amherst. Esq.. commander-in- 
chief of His Majestys Forces in North America, for the Invasion of Can- 
ada. Samuel Tripp, aged twenty-four ; James Salter, seventeen ; George 
Hack, thirty: Corn's Spooner, twenty-six; George Jenne, twenty-four; 
Josiah Warren, seventeen; Zernal (?) Haskell, thirty-four; Nathaniel 
Haskell, twenty-seven; Thomas Wilwoks (?), seventeen; Gideon Sher- 
man, sixteen; Joseph Caswell, nineteen; James Jones, (Indian), twenty- 
three. 

P. S. These men marched to Lake George. 1758. 

A Muster Roll of the Company from Dartmouth in His Majesty's 
Service under the command of Baeachiah Bassett Captain 1760; Samuel 
Tripp, Joseph Caswell, Josiah Drew, George Hack, Jehazael Jenny, 
James Jones, Gideon Sherman, Thomas Willcoks (all served seven 
months). 

A Muster Roll of the Company of Foot in His Majesty's Service 
under Command of Captain James Andross in a regiment raised in Dart- 
mouth by the Province of the Massachusetts Bay for the Reduction of 
Canada, Whereof: Thomas Doty, Esq; Colonel; Privates, John Rouse, 



NEW BEDFORD ii 

James Spooner, William Willcocks, Aholiah Washburn, Philip Wash- 
burn, Isaac Wickom, John Peagon. 

1760 — Stephen Bennett inlisted March 10, aged twenty-two; Benja- 
min Brownell inlisted March 20, aged twenty-seven ; Gideon Bennit 
inlisted March 17, aged eighteen; John Tucker born at Dartmouth, resi- 
dence at Boston. 

In this connection the following further extracts from the military 
records are of interest : 

Pay Roll of the Company in His Majestys Service Under the com- 
mand of Captain Josiah Dunbar, Esq; 1763; John Tobey (Fathers name 
Timothy) served from March 20 to November 19, Silvanus Tobey 
Bazeliel Washburn. Thomas Washburn, Richard Charles Waist, (prob- 
ably Waistcoat, as that name is found in the Roll), served from March 
24 to November 19, as privates; George Hack served from March 22 to 
November 19. 

List of officers Commanded for the end. Regiment of the Militia, 
First Company in Dartmouth in the County of Bristol, July, 1771 ; Cap- 
tain Elnathan Tobey, First Lieutenant Samuel Pope, Second Lieutenant 
Elnathan Sampson, Ensign Chillingworth Foster (since made a lieu- 
tenant). 

List of officers Commanded for the Second Regiment of Militia in 
the County of Bristol Zaccheus Tobey, ist Major 1762. 

First Company in Dartmouth ; Captain Ebe'r Akin, Lieutenant Jona 
Winslow, Ensign Elnan Tobey. 

Second Company in Dartmouth ; Captain Job Almy, Lieutenant 
James Wilkev. Ensign Joshua Richmonds, Ensign Jerh. Giff<-ird. 

Third Company in Dartmouth : Captain Ezek Cornell, Lieutenant 
William Hix, Ensign Samuel Brownell. Lieutenant Benj. Davall. 

Fourth Company in Dartmouth : Captain Benjamin Sherman, Lieu- 
tenant Thomas Dennes, Ensign John Babcock. 

Fifth Company in Dartmouth : Captain Hezh. Winslow, Lieu- 
tenant Benj. Terry, Ensign James Clark. 

During the first century of the history of the town of Dartmouth, 
many settlers had located in the town, not attracted by its fertile soil, 
but had made their homes there far away from the large centres that 
they might enjoy religious freedom. The growth of the township was 
necessarily slow, and the events recorded in the foregoing pages com- 
prise about all of public importance that transpired. Agriculture during 
the first century was the principal employment, and the land appears to 
have been taken up by a class not particularly Puritan, many of them 
Quakers whom the government at Plymouth, if court orders are an indi- 
cation, found it difficult to control. A frugal and industrious people, the 
early settlers of Dartmouth do not appear to have been guilty of any 
other ofifense than the want of obedience to the rigid requirements of 
the court in regard to the support of a minister and the observance of the 
Sabbath. The efforts of the court were baffled with steady perseverance, 



12 NEW BEDFORD 

and in 1691 the payment of taxes was refused, and the town sent no 
representative to the General Court. There was the usual amount of 
friction between the religious sects, the Quakers coming in for their 
full share of persecution in Dartmouth as elsewhere. In 1724 John 
Tucker and Peleg Slocum refused to pay a tax for building a Presby- 
terian church at Chilmark, and their property on Elizabeth Islands was 
seized. Yet to the Quakers of Dartmouth and Tiverton, aided by the 
Baptists, must be given the honor of the first successful appeal for justice 
to the English government. 

In 1723 John Atkins and Philip Tabor, of Dartmouth, Joseph An- 
thony and John Sisson, of Tiverton, were assessors of their several 
towns. Being Quakers and Baptists, they refused to collect the taxes im- 
posed by the General Court of Massachusetts for the support of ministers, 
for which act of insubordination they were imprisoned in the common 
jail at New Bristol. When the case was argued before the King's Privy 
Council, it was decided that the officials must be released and the taxes 
remitted — a notable decision for the Society of Friends, as it marked the 
termination of the persecutions to which they had previously been sub- 
jected. The people of the town were frequently under rebuke of the 
General Court for negligence in military affairs. The chief military 
officer of the colony, writing in 1690 of Dartmouth, said : "They have 
not a man in the town that seems in the least to be concerned whether 
we have any military officers or no." A postscript to a general return of 
arms and ammunition indicates the same condition in 1757: "The four 
companies of the town of Dartmouth are deficient, and the biggest part 
of them are Quakers." In the years that followed, this same loyalty to 
their religious principles caused the Friends great distress and loss of 
property, as well as a charge of disloyalty to the government during the 
Revolution ; but. notwithstanding their refusal to pay military taxes and 
to bear arms, they were as a people loyal in their sympathies for the 
cause of freedom, and there are several recorded instances of their hav- 
ing borne arms. In 1716 Dartmouth monthly meeting bore strong testi- 
mony against slavery, and a century and a half later New Bedford estab- 
lished a noble record as a city of refuge for the runaway slave and as a 
station on the "Underground Railroad." 




licHl 

eoi-1 _ _ . .. _ 

iiiK ag;unst tl 



XKW HIOHKnKll I.N Islll. 
Krcirn an did PaiTiting by William A. Wall. 

was Main (now Union, at tlie corner of Water). Opiiosite the store 
I is tlie sign of .faliaziel Jenney. .lenney is represented as conversing 
rnev. tlie next on tlie ripht: and near tlie stone post at tlte norlliwest 
.> tifiures intended for Abraham Russell and Williani Rotch. Jr-. .'^ull 
right, and opposite the barber's shop of Nathaniel Rogers, are Samuel 
lid I'apt. liowlaml R. ("roclier. In front of them and near the nortlieast 

more figures, one intended for Mr. Wall's father: and the otlier. lean- 
orner of the store, was intended for no one in partieular. Still 



furtlier in rront and near the group of etdoreU persons, is Barnabas I'aber; aufl in 
the chaise near the center of the picture, is William Rotcli, Si-. The female near is 
Pattv Hussey. The man by the side of the team mav luiss for Caleb Sherman. The 
boys in the five-wheeled cart were playmates of .\Ii. Wall, one of them (ieorge 

I-T..1I-I.1 n.l If Ml- W..11 it- fiiiii-iiL'^ri t Q.l o l? *\m .li.ii-ui .:. . , f tli.. tlit.ti.i tit.ort-f-.iiu in t ll il 



i-laml. .Ir. M 



three negroes in the 



CHAPTER III. 
New Bedford as a Village. 

While Dartmouth was for the first century of its existence an agri- 
cultural town, it was but natural that a village should spring into exist- 
ence along the shores of the bay teeming with food and offering induce- 
ments to those who were inclined to a life of adventure. 

The land at the mouth of the Acushnet river on the west side was 
the homestead farm of the Russells, and in 1760 John Loudon bought 
the first acre sold from that estate. His purchase lay just south of the 
Four Corners (Union and Water streets), and upon it he built a house 
in 1 761. He was a caulker by trade, and bought his land in a location 
suitable for a shipyard, the tide then flowing as far west as South Water 
street. At one time he kept an inn, and in the British raid of September 
5, 1778, his house was one of those burned. In 1761 Benjamin Taber 
bought land and erected a structure suitable for boat-building and block- 
making, and there built the first whale boat in the village. His home, 
still standing, was built by Gideon Mosher, a carpenter, and was sold to 
Mr. Taber in 1765. John Allen, a carpenter, in 1761 built a home which 
he afterward sold. In 1762 Elnathan Sampson, a blacksmith from Ware- 
ham, bought a lot south of John Loudon ; and along the County road 
(later County street) were the farm houses of Joseph Russell, Caleb 
Russell, Ephraim Kempton and Samuel Willis ; while on the river front 
was a single wharf and a try house. Joseph Russell, the father of the 
village, was also the founder of the New Bedford whale fishery, in which 
a few small vessels were engaged as early as 1751. The voyages of these 
vessels, in size from forty to sixty tons, were made on the Atlantic coast, 
and were never more than two months in duration, and whale fishing as 
a business was limited by want of capital and experience. The land 
lying between the "Cove" and the head of the river was mostly owned 
by a few families : Commencing south with the Aliens, thence north the 
Russells, Kemptons, Willises, Peckhams, Hathaways and Wrighting- 
tons. These were all substantial farmers, living in large and comfortable 
farm houses generally built upon the west side of the County road, but 
the older farms were not included in the village. 

Such was the condition in 1765, when the village gained a new 
inhabitant in the person of Joseph Rotch, an enterprising merchant from 
Nantucket, who bought ten acres of Joseph Russell, and smaller tracts 
in other parts of the town, notably in Fairhaven. Joseph Russell was 
then in mercantile business in the village, as well as being interested in 
whaling, and with the coming of Mr. Rotch the activities of the two men 
caused great activity in the little village at the mouth of the Acushnet, 



14 NEW BEDFORD 

which had been named Bedford, Russell being the family name of the 
Duke of Bedford. Later, when it was found that there was another Bed- 
ford in the colony, "New" was prefixed, and New Bedford, through her 
mariners and manufacturers, became known even to the remotest parts 
of the earth. 

Joseph Rotch was born in 1704, son of William Rotch, who was born 
in Salisbury, England, in 1670, and came to New England about 1700, 
settling in Provincetown, Massachusetts, there becoming active and 
prominent in town affairs. He had two sons. Joseph, the eldest, settled 
in Nantucket, where he married Love Macey, a descendant of Thomas 
Macey, the first settler in Nantucket. He was a substantial merchant of 
Nantucket until 1765, when he settled in New Bedford. The ten acres he 
purchased from Joseph Russell were in the centre of what is now the 
business portion of New Bedford, his residence on what was formerly 
known as Rotch's Hill, Water street, a structure burned by the British 
in their raid of September 5. 1778, as was the home of his son, Joseph 
Rotch. The coming of Joseph Rotch was an event of great importance 
to New Bedford, as he possessed capital, business experience, sagacity 
and initiative, which he placed at the disposal of the young but healthy 
whaling industry. Vessels owned by Joseph Russell, Caleb Russell and 
William Tallman were employed in whale fishing, they going as far as 
the capes of Virginia, and returning to New Bedford to try out the blub- 
ber at the original try works near the foot of Centre street. 

A new era of prosperity may be dated from the coming of Joseph 
Rotch in 1765, houses and shops multiplying, and the river front becom- 
ing a place of great activity. Population increased ; ship-building was 
vigorously prosecuted ; vessels were launched in quick successions, — and 
soon a respectable fleet was engaged in the coast fishery and in merchant 
service. The first ship built was in the yard owned by Francis Rotch (a 
son of Joseph Rotch), near what is known as Hazard's Wharf. This 
vessel, named the "Dartmouth," launched in 1767, was not only famous 
as the first ship built on Buzzards Bay, but as one of the fleet of tea 
ships that were boarded by the "Tea Party" in Boston Harbor, one of 
the stirring incidents of the pre-Revolutionary period. Another famous 
ship built during that early period was the "Bedford," a ship which first 
displayed the American flag in British waters. The coming of the "Bed- 
ford" is thus alluded to in Barnard's "History of England :" "The ship 
'Bedford,' Captain Moofes, belonging to Massachusetts, arrived in the 
Downs on the 3rd of February, 1783, and was reported at the custom 
house on the 6th instant. She was not allowed regular entry until some 
consultation had taken place between the commissioners and the Lords 
of the Council, on account of the many acts of Parliament in force against 
the rebels of America. She was loaded with four hundred and eighty- 
seven butts of whale oil, is American built, manned wholly by American 



\ 



NEW BEDFORD 15 

seamen, and belongs to the island of Nantucket in Massachusetts. This 
is the first vessel which has displayed the thirteen rebellious stripes of 
America in any British port." These two New Bedford built ships, the 
"Dartmouth" and the "Bedford," owned by the Rotch brothers, Francis 
and William, were thus closely associated with two great events — the 
"Boston Tea Party," antedating and aiding to incite the Revolution; and 
the first appearance of the victorious Stars and Stripes in the waters of 
the nation from whom independence had been won. 

Many other vessels were built, and all went well with the settlement 
until the outbreak of the Revolution, which put a stop to ship-building, 
but not to activities of New Bedford ships and sailors. Other lines of 
industry had sprung into prosperous being, and the business of the pio- 
neer merchant, the founder of New Bedford and the father of the whal- 
ing industry, Joseph Russell, had become one of great importance. The 
books of the first merchant of New Bedford, covering the period of 1770- 
1777, have been preserved, and show both prosperous trading and accu- 
rate careful bookkeeping. Joseph Russell had also built a structure for 
the manufacture of spermaceti candles, two rope walks made cordage for 
the outfitting of the vessels of the harbor, and a general condition of pros- 
perity existed. 

A similar condition existed in the village of Oxford, across the river, 
several large vessels being owned there by the Bennetts, Huddlestones 
and others. At Bellville, and further up the river, there were the ship- 
yards of those noted builders, the Stetsons, several of the best of the 
earliest ships having been built there. In 1774 there were fifty or sixty 
vessels, mostly sloops and schooners, employed in the whale fishery from 
Bedford, a great proportion of which were captured and destroyed dur- 
ing the Revolution. 

The population of New Bedford in 1775 could not have been over 
five hundred, as in 1795 it was only about one thousand. 




CHAPTER IV. 
The British Invasion. 

While the town of Dartmouth had been intense in loyalty to the 
cause of independence, the village of Bedford had taken little active 
part ; in fact, had attempted to curb the patriotic spirit of her neighbor 
across the river, Fairhaven. There were no privateers owned or fitted 
out from New Bedford, but the harbor was an important rendezvous for 
privateers which were mostly owned in Boston, Connecticut and Rhode 
Island. However, many Dartmouth men were engaged in privateering, 
and the very first naval exploit and capture recorded in the annals of the 
Revolution is placed to their credit; the date, May 13, 1775; the place, 
Dartmouth Harbor. 

The war had tied up the whaling fleet, and a host of daring energetic 
men were without occupation. Naturally they turned to privateering — 
that product of war, a strange mixture of good and evil, prompting men 
to valiant deeds and noble sacrifices, and leading them to commit deeds 
of violence foreign to their nature. Commissions were issued to priva- 
teers by every coast State, and prize courts were established with author- 
ity to condemn such vessels as were claimed as prizes. Reliable authori- 
ties state that during the war more than six hundred privateers sailed 
from Massachusetts ports alone ; Boston had a list of three hundred and 
sixty-five ; Salem nearly one hundred and fifty. These vessels averaged 
about one hundred men and officers, all hardy fishermen or sailors, skilled 
mariners and able seamen. In 1776 English vessels to the number of 
three hundred and forty-two were reported captured by the Americans ; 
and in 1777 a loss of four hundred and sixty-seven sail was reported, 
although the English government kept seventy cruisers on the American 
coast for the protection of their merchant marine. In 1780 the Admiralty 
Court in Boston condemned eight hundred and eighteen prizes ; and in 
the month of May, 1779, eighteen prizes were brought into New London. 

Certain ports on the coast possessing good harbors, easy of access 
and convenient for recruiting and for running in prizes, became very 
important centres, and not the least important was Dartmouth. Priva- 
teers shot in and out of the harbor to thread the coast in both directions, 
disappearing at the presence of an English war vessel only to pounce 
upon some unsuspicious merchantmen, which soon afterward would be 
a lawful prize anchored in Dartmouth or some other convenient harbor. 
While there is no written history of American privateering, a great deal 
has been published in various newspapers and magazines ; but the most 
convincing proof of its magnitude and the loss it entailed upon the 
enemy's commerce is the fact that General Clinton sent such an enor- 



NEW BEDFORD 17 

mous army to lay waste the little township of Dartmouth. And not only 
Dartmouth felt the revengeful hand of British authority, but towns all 
along the Atlantic coast received similar visitations. 

One of the most conspicuous figures in American naval history is 
John Paul Jones, a Scotchman by birth, a lieutenant in the navy at the 
age of twenty-nine, serving on the "Alfred" in 1776, himself unfurling the 
American flag the first time it was flung to the breeze on board that ship. 
Soon afterward he was given command of the "Providence," a fast sail- 
ing vessel mounting twelve guns, one of the fleet of thirteen vessels 
authorized by the Continental Congress, the official beginning of the 
United States navy. His first cruise in the "Providence" lasted forty- 
seven days, resulting in the capture of sixteen prizes. While command- 
ing the "Providence" he frequently visited Dartmouth Harbor and his 
crew was often recruited from Dartmouth men. The "Providence," 
rated an armed sloop, was so successful that a British brig-of-war of 
nearly double the gun power of the American ship was ordered to cruise 
for her. The two vessels met, and after an obstinate and bloody contest 
the American sloop forced the powerful British brig to surrender, and 
brought her a prize into Dartmouth Harbor. It was said that the final 
broadside fired by the "Providence" was chiefly old spikes, bolts, and 
pieces of hoop iron. So near was the battle fought to New Bedford that 
when the vessels anchored in the harbor blood was yet running down 
the sides of the brig. The wounded of the crew who later died were 
brought on shore and buried in a small hillock near the shore, a short 
distance north of the spot once occupied by the wheel house of William 
Rotch's rope walk. The progress of improvement demanded the removal 
of these "unknown dead" not once, but twice, until finally they were 
laid in Oak Grove Cemetery. This activity of Dartmouth men as priva- 
teers marked the town for punishment, and for a second time in its his- 
tory the scourge of war was laid heavily upon New Bedford and vicinity. 

Freedom from interference by the English tempted New Bedford 
traders to engage in commercial ventures, and they accumulated con- 
siderable property. Under date of June 16, 1778. prominent men of Dart- 
mouth expressed in a communication to the General Court their appre- 
hension of attack, and an appreciation of their defenceless condition. As 
a result Colonel Crafts was ordered to Dartmouth with fifty men and 
four field pieces to act under orders of Colonel Edward Pope. Tory sym- 
pathizers kept the British fully informed, and a time for the raid was 
selected when the accumulation of property on the Acushnet was large 
and valuable, and all men capable of bearing arms had gone to Stone 
Bridge. The invading expedition was arranged with a view to strike 
terror, and every spectacular effect was used. An army of regulars, 
fully armed and equipped, entered the harbor in a large fleet piloted by 
two Tories, the force ten times more numerous than all the men residing 

N. B.-2 



i8 NEW BEDFORD 

in the region. The purpose was to destroy, not to pillage, and the work 
of destruction was systematically conducted. The torch was applied 
only to structures devoted to manufacturing or mercantile purposes, but 
no attempt was made to prevent the spread of the flames to private 
houses. In their march of fifteen miles from Clarke's Point to Sconticut 
Neck, they accomplished a thorough work of devastation, the British 
commander reporting to his chief that he had carried out his orders "in 
the fullest manner." Five years later Stephen Peckham, Jabez Barker 
and Edward Pope, selectmen of Dartmouth, reported to the General 
Court that the value of property destroyed exceeded one hundred and 
five thousand pounds, or over a half million of dollars. 

This was the only time that a hostile military force landed in New 
Bedford, and the raid is one of the few occurrences of signal importance 
in the history of the town. Eye-witnesses found eager listeners ; old men 
related to children the events of that fateful night ; and yet for over half 
a century the recollections of these eye-witnesses were not reduced to 
writing. But fortunately an efficient and able scribe compiled a collec- 
tion of greatest value because of its accuracy and completeness. He was 
the first and only investigator who appreciated the value of seemingly 
trivial facts, and with commendable patience he wrote down the narra- 
tives of the old men, giving numerous minute details which other his- 
torians had not deemed of any importance. That historian, Henry How- 
land Crapo, in 1839-40 compiled the statements of eye-witnesses and 
participants in the occurrences they related, his extended interviews with 
the old men of his day having great historic value. Only a few minor 
corrections have been necessary, and these appear in the notes ; but the 
bulk of the statements has been found to be in exact accord with con- 
temporary public records. This reflects the greatest credit, not only 
upon the accuracy of the narrators, but the scrupulous care of the writer 
who elicited the facts and committed them to paper. 

Although Mr. Crapo seems to have considered the Macomber narra- 
tive entitled to great weight in two particulars it has been criticised : 
First, as to the English troops landing on Sconticut Neck ; second, that 
Isaac Howland's house could not have been burnt, because it was a brick 
house and stood across the end of Pleasant street, on the north side of 
Union, and was standing until modern times. 

In order that the landmarks and localities may be understood, notes 
have been inserted in brackets. It should be kept in mind that the narra- 
tives were written in 1840 and the word "now" refers to that year: 

Dartmouth in the British Raid of 1778.* 

Statement of John Gilbert of New Bedford in relation to the burning 
of Bedford Village by the British in 1778; and, also, in relation to the 

•Compiled by Henry Howland Crapo in 1839-40 



NEW BEDFORD 19 

number, location, owners, etc., of the dwelling houses and other build- 
ings, including those destroyed at that time. 

Said Gilbert was 75 years of age the i6th of September, 1839; was 
born in 1764, and consequently was about 14 years of age at the time of 
the attack. He is a man of extraordinary memory, of quick comprehen- 
sions, very intelligent, and has resided in New Bedford since he was four 
years of age. His statement is in substance as follows: 

On the 5th of September, 1778, in the afternoon, the British fleet 
arrived off Clarks Point. It consisted of two frigates, an i8-gun brig and 
about 36 transports. The latter were small ships. The two frigates and 
brig anchored opposite the mouth of the Acushnet river and a little 
below the point. The transports were anchored outside the Great ledge 
and opposite the mouth of the cove. The troops, including light-horse 
artillery, etc., were landed in barges. The landing was completed a little 
before night, near where the present almshouse is situated, and the troops 
arrived at the head of Main (now Union) street about dusk. A part of 
the troops were wheeled to the right and passed down Main street for 
the purpose of burning the town, whilst the remainder continued their 
march to the north on County street. There was not at this time more 
than fifteen able-bodied men in the place, every person that could leave 
having gone to reinforce the American army in Rhode Island, where at 
that very time they were engaged, their cannon being distinctly heard 
here. 

I was at this time an apprentice to Joseph Russell, the father of 
Abraham, etc., and had been sent for a horse to carry mv mistress to 
some place of safety. On my return she had gone, as also the goods from 
the house, but Peace Akins was there (a connection of the family), whom 
I was directed to carry with me. The house stood at the present corner 
of County and Morgan streets, and a little within the fence on the south- 
east corner of Charles W. Morgan's lot (the present William S. Reed's 
dwelling house). By this time the British had appeared in sight. I was 
upon the horse by the side of the horse block, urging Mrs. Akins to be 
quick in getting ready. She, however, made some little delay bv return- 
ing into the house for something, and before she had time to get up 
behind me four light-horsemen passed us, but without paying us any 
particular attention. Whilst the head of the British column was passing 
us and whilst Peace was in the very act of getting upon the horse, a 
soldier camp up and, seizing the horse's bridle, commanded me to get 
off. I made no reply, but by reigning the horse suddenly round, 
knocked him down, which left me perfectly at liberty and headed to 
the north. The troops occupied nearly the whole of the road, leaving, 
however, a small space on the west side between them and the wall. 
Through this open space I attempted to pass by urging my horse at the 
top of his speed, but before I had gone five rods a whole platoon was 
fired at me. without hitting either myself or horse. These were the first 
guns fired by the British since their landing. The troops now opened 
from the centre to close the space next the wall, which reduced me to 
the_ necessity of passing through the centre of the remaining platoons. 
This I efifected without injury, in consequence of the speed of my horse 
and being so mixed up with the troops as to prevent their firing. About 
twenty feet in advance of the leading platoon were placed two men with 
fixed bayonets, as a kind of advance guard. Thev were about six feet 



20 NEW BEDFORD 

apart, and as I advanced from the rear they both faced about and pre- 
sented their pieces, which I think were snapped at me, but they did not 
fire. I passed through between them and made my escape, turning up 
the Smith's Mills road; I went to Timothy Maxfield's, about i>< miles, 
and stayed all night. (Smith Mills road was Kempton street, Rockdale 
avenue and the Hathaway road. Timothy Maxfield's house was on the 
north side of the Hathaway road near the junction with Kempton street). 

I afterwards learned that upon leaving Peace Akins on the horse 
block some British officers rode up and assured her that if she remained 
perfectly quiet nothing should injure her. She remained in this situation 
until the troops had passed and the officers left her. when she went over 
the east side of the road into a field of pole-beans, and thence traveled. 

The four horsemen that first passed us on the horse block went 
into the house and plundered two men whom they found there, the goods 
have been already conveyed back. These men were Humphrey Tallman 
and Joseph Trafiford, who worked for Joseph Russell 

As I passed up the Smith's Mills road, and about one-quarter of a 
mile from County street, I met William Haydon and Oliver Potter, both 
armed with muskets, who inquired where the main body of the British 
then were. I told them they were nearly square against us. Upon 
receiving this information they cut across the woods, etc., as I was 
afterwards told, and came out a little in advance of the British and near 
the west end of the present North street. The woods were ver^- thick 
on the west side of County street at this place, and under cover of 
night and these woods Haydon and Potter fired upon the British and 
killed two horsemen. This I was told by Haydon and Potter, and also 
by the .American prisoners on their return home, who saw them put 
into the baggage wagon. One was shot. 

A few minutes after these men were shot Abraham Russell, Thomas 
Cook and Diah Traflford, all being armed, were discovered by the British 
attempting to leave the village by coming up a cross-way into County 
street. When at the corner of this way with County street, or nearly so, 
they were fired upon by the British and all shot down. Trafiford was 21 
years of age lacking 14 days, and was in the employment of Joseph Rus- 
sell, with whom I then lived. He was shot through the heart and died 
instantly, after which his face was badly cut to pieces with the sabres of 
the British. Cook also worked for said Russell, by the month ; he was 
nearly 40 years of age. He was shot through the leg and also through 
the bowels, the latter bullet passing through his bladder. He died about 
daylight next morning. Russell was about 40 years of age. He died 
about ID o'clock the next morning, at the house of said Joseph Russell, 
where they were all carried after remaining all night in the road where 
they were shot. Russell and Cook were buried in Dartmouth (as stated 
by Macomberl ; Trafiford was buried on the hill by the shore, a little 
north of the old ropewalk in this town. This was a sort of potter's field, 
where sailors were buried : the land was owned by Joseph Russell. (The 
rope walk stood on the land now Morgan's lane and extended from the 
shore west to Acushnet avenue). 

A company of artillery consisting of about 80 privates had been sent 
from Boston for the protection of the place. The building occupied by 
them as a barracks was the "poor house," which stood near the present 
site of Philip Anthony's dwelling house. It was a long, low building, 



NEW BEDFORD 21 

and has since been pulled down. (This lot was on the southeast corner 
of Sixth and Spring streets). The company was commanded by Captain 
James Gushing, of Boston. Joseph Bell, of Boston, was first lieutenant ; 
William Gordon, of Boston, second lieutenant, and James Metcalf, third 
lieutenant. The latter was mortally wounded by the British during the 
night at Acushnet. This company, although stationed here, had a short 
time previous to the landing of the British been called to Rowland's 
Ferry to aid the Americans against the British in Rhode Island. But 
during the day of the landing Lieutenants Gordon and Metcalf had 
returned with a part of the company and one piece. As the British 
advanced they were under the necessity of retreating. They had a yoke 
of oxen of Joseph Russell's to draw their cannon. 

The officers of this company had their quarters at and boarded with 
Mrs. Deborah Doubleday, a widow, in the house in which Judge Pres- 
cott's office now is, which was then owned by Seth Russell, father of the 
late Seth and Charles. After Metcalf was wounded he was brought down 
to this house, where I saw him the next day. I think he lived three days. 
(Prescott's office was on the west side of North Water street in the build- 
ing next north of the corner of Union). I was at his funeral — he was 
buried on the hill by the old meeting house at Acushnet, "under arms." 

The evening of the British attack was clear and moonlight. The 
sloop "Providence" was very often in here, and I was frequently on 
board of her. She was commanded by John Hacker, of New York (since 
a pilot through Hell Gate), was sloop-rigged, and I think about 100 tons. 
She brought in the prize "Harriet of London," which was burnt on the 
south side of Rotch's Wharf, below where the sail-loft now is. This was 
the wreck recently taken up on the bar. She also took and brought in 
prize the British armed brig "Diligence," of 18 guns and commanded by 
John Smith, of Liverpool. The engagement was off Sandy Hook and 
lasted five glasses (2^ hours). The "Providence" had two men killed — 
the sailing master, James Rodgers, of Connecticut, and the steward. 
Church Wilkey, of Fairhaven (north part). Don't know the number 
killed on board the brig. She was subsequently repaired here and 
manned, fitted, etc., as an American cruiser. She was with the squadron 
in the Penobscott and was there blown up by the order of the American 
commandant, as was the "Providence." The crew of the brig was landed 
here, but I do not know where they went to. 

McPherson's Wharf was at Belville, and was burnt by the British, 
together with some vessels laying there. A brig called the "No Duties 
on Tea" was burnt at this wharf. She drifted down the river after her 
fastenings were burnt off and finally sunk just at the north of "Dog Fish 
Bar" and abreast of the Burying Ground Hill. Several other small ves- 
sels were burnt at this wharf and sunk ; they were afterwards got up. 

An armed vessel sunk on the west side of Crow Island (which is 
opposite and near to Fairhaven Village). She was afterwards got up. 
Her guns were got up by some persons diving down and fastening ropes 
to them upon which they were hoisted up. Benjamin Myrick was 
drowned in diving down for the purpose of fastening a rope to the last 
one. There were only two wharves in the village of any consequence. 
The largest was Rotch Wharf (the present Rotch's Wharf), the other 
was Joseph Russell's Wharf (now Central Wharf). 

[John Gilbert has been employed in the merchant and whaling serv- 



22 NEW BEDFORD 

ice '^ince 21 vears of age. His parents resided in Boston. He was left an 
orphan. His father was lost in a vessel out of Boston, which was never 
heard of. He was brought to New Bedford at the age of 4 years and 
bound an apprentice].— Note by H. H. Crapo. 

Privateering — There were no privateers owned and fitted from New 
Bedford. They were all owned in Boston, Connecticut and Rhode Island, 
and rendezvoused here. 

A large sloop called the "Broom" frequently came in here. She was 
commanded by Stephen Cahoon, of Rhode Island, and mounted 12 guns. 

•'The Black Snake," a long, low, black schooner, frequently came in 
here. She was owned in Connecticut and mounted eight carriage guns. 
Don't know the name of her captain. ^ 

An Indian burying place occupied the present site of the Merchants 
Bank and Hamilton street. It was a burying ground both before and 
after the war. It was a high hill, composed of rock covered with a few 
feet of earth. When the hill was cut down the bones were put into a 
box and interred in the Friends' burying ground by William Rotch, Jr. 
The Friends' burying ground was on the shore at the foot of Griffin 
street. 

Gilbert says "on the day the British landed they commenced carting 
goods about the middle of the afternoon, and carried them on to a piece 
of cleared land, containing about one acre, which was situated in the 
woods west of the jail and surrounded on all sides by swamp, heavy 
wood and thick copse. Many others carried goods to the same place. 
After moving all the goods I was sent for a horse to the pasture west of 
where the jail now stands." 

Elijah Macomber's Account of_ Raid— Account of the burning of New 
Bedford and Fairhaven by the British troops on the evening of the 5th of 
September, 1778, as given me bv Elijah Macomber, formerly of Dart- 
mouth, now resident in New Bed'ford, December 6, 1839; said informant 
being in good health, and sound mind. He was 85 years of age on the 
14th day of Mav last, and consequently more than 24 years of age at the 
time, being born May 14, 1754. He was in the fort at Fairhaven on said 
5th day of September, where he served as a private from March, 1778, 
to December following. 

The substance of Mr. Macomber's statement is as follows : 

The fort below Fairhaven Village was garrisoned at the time by 
Captain Timothy Ingraham, Lieutenant Daniel Foster and thirty-six 
non-commissioned officers and privates, making a total of 38 men. There 
were eleven or twelve pieces of cannon mounted in the fort, and about 
twenty-five casks of powder in the magazine, twenty casks having been 
procured a few days previous from the commissary store in New Bed- 
ford, which was kept by Philip and Leonard Jarvis, brothers. 

About I o'clock p. m. Worth Bates (Timothy Tallman, William, etc., 
knew this man), who lived at a place on the Bedford side called McPher- 
son's Wharf at Belleville, and who had that day been out fishing, landed 
at the fort in his boat and informed the captain that a British fleet was 
in the bay and nearly up with the point. In a few moments they made 
their appearance by the point. The larger ship sailed up the river and 
anchored ofif abreast the fort. About one-half or more of the smaller 
vessels anchored off Clark's Point and the remainder dropped in to the 



NEW BEDFORD 23 

east of the larger vessels and commenced embarking troops in a small 
cove, a short distance to the east of the fort, behind a point of woods and 
under cover of the guns of the larger vessels. The fleet consisted of 36 
sail. Immediately upon discovering them three guns were fired from the 
fort to alarm the country, and a despatch sent to Howland's Ferry, where 
a part of the American army then was, for reinforcements. The debarka- 
tion of the British troops commenced about 2 o'clock, both to the east- 
ward of the fort, and at Clark's Cove. A company of artillery from Bos- 
ton, consisting of about 60 men, under the command of Captain 

Cushman, was stationed at the head of Clark's Cove, which upon the 
landing of the British fell back, and retreated to the head of the Acushnet 

river. Metcalf was first lieutenant of this company and was shot 

during the night at Acushnet Village. William Gordon, of this town, was 
second lieutenant, and was taken prisoner by the British, but made his 
escape before they arrived at the head of Acushnet. The troops con- 
tinued to debark from the transports lying to the east of the fort until 
night, but neither their movements nor those landed at the cove could 
be seen from the fort. 

Not long after dark the detachments from the cove commenced the 
work of destruction. The first buildings discovered in flames were the 
rope walks and the distillery belonging to Isaac Rowland (father of the 
late Isaac Rowland, Jr.). Soon after all the stores, warehouses, some 
barns and dwelling houses, together with every vessel they could get at 
were in flames. There were a large number of vessels in the harbor at the 
time, — a large English ship having been brought in a prize by the French 
a few days previous and then lying at Rotch's Wharf, as well as several 
others a short time before. Every vessel was burnt, excepting those 
lying in the stream, which they could not get at, and a small craft some- 
where up the river. The number of vessels destroyed was 70. Among 
the dwelling houses burnt was Rotch's and Isaac Howland's, Sr. 

A little before 9 o'clock or between 8 and 9, and after some of the 
vessels which had been set on fire on the Bedford side and their cables 
and fastenings burnt off had drifted down towards the fort, the detach- 
ment which landed on the east side advanced upon the fort from the east- 
ward. Two guns were then fired at the fleet, and after spiking the guns 
the garrison retreated to the north, leaving their colors flying. The 
British supposing the fort to be still garrisoned opened a heavy fire upon 
it with their artillery, which soon ceased upon not being returned. The 
garrison were at this time ranged along a low wall a short distance to 
the north of the fort, waiting to discover the exact position of the army 
in order to make their retreat successfully. They were soon discovered 
by the British who fired upon them and wounded a man by the name of 
Robert Crossman. A ball passed through one wrist and across the other. 
A hasty retreat was then commenced and the enemy not knowing the 
exact position and strength of the Americans did not make a vigorous 
pursuit. The whole garrison with the exception of the wounded man and 
two others, John Skiff and his father, who were taken prisoners, suc- 
ceeded in making their escape to the woods at some little distance north 
of Fairhaven, where they lay through the night and until the British had 
passed them from the head. Before the fort was evacuated a train of 
powder was placed from the magazine to the platform. The British upon 
entering after destroying the ramrods, sponges, etc., applied a slow match 



24 NEW BEDFORD 

to the magazine which communicating with the train left by the garrison 
was blown up sooner than was intended, destroying one man at least, 
the fragments of whose gun, cap and accoutrements were afterwards dis- 
covered near by. After burning the barracks, guard house, etc., the 
detachment moved north, destroying vessels, stores, etc., and formed a 
junction with the detachment from the west side somewhere towards the 
head of Acushnet, after which they marched down towards the fort. 
They were out all night. The next'day they reembarked near the fort. 
The leading platoons of the detachment on the west side of the river 
fired upon three men, who were armed, near the house of Joseph Rus- 
sell (father of Gilbert, Abraham and Humphry), two of whom were shot 

down. These men were Abraham Russell, about 40 years of age ; 

Cook, a young man who lived with him, and Diah Trafford, about 23 
years of age. The British advanced rapidly upon them with charged 
bayonets. They begged for quarter which was refused. Russell was 
killed immediately, his head being entirely cut to pieces with cutlasses. 
Cook died about daylight, his bowels were ripped open. Trafford (this is 
the uncle of Joseph Trafford, the continental) was shot through the leg 
and severely wounded in the abdomen by bayonet thrusts. He died the 
next day about 10 o'clock, after making some statements relative to their 
death. They were all carried into Joseph Russell's house in the morning. 

Mr. Macomber says he saw these men lying where they were 
attacked the next morning before they were taken up. The sun was up 
and he was on his way home, the garrison forces having dispersed for a 
few days until reinforcements should arrive. These men were carried 
over to Dartmouth and buried on the farm of Jediah Shearman (whose 
wife was sister to the said Abraham Russell, a few rods north of the 
house, where their graves may now be seen. The farm is now owned by 
Philip Gidly, who purchased it of Samuel Barker. Traflford married 
Macomber's sister. 

The prisoners taken stated when they came back that the troops 
which landed on the east side were delayed some hours in consequence 
of their light-horse artillery becoming entangled in a marsh which lay 
at the head of the cove where they landed. This accounts for their delay 
in making an attack upon the fort. 

On the night following the general attack a number of barges were 
discovered coming up the river which were fired upon and driven back 
by the force which by this time had assembled at Fairhaven, a detach- 
ment having, I think, arrived from Howland's Ferry, and a body of 
militia from Middleborough, making several hundred. It was supposed 
that their object was plunder and that the expedition was not ordered by 
any of the general officers. 

William Bliss says he was serving at that time at the ferry. Says 
troops were sent for, but they could not be spared and none went. Says 
he moved to New Bedford about 1800. 

Mr. Macomber further states that he returned to the fort in two or 
three days, as did also the rest of the garrison ; that he entered the fort 
on the first of March for ten months and stayed until December, complet- 
ing said term. 

Also, that William Tallman's father was taken prisoner and he 
thinks prisoners were taken at Acushnet Village. 

Also, that the American prisoners on their return reported that the 



NEW BEDFORD 25 

whole force of the British was about 5,500. This, I presume, includes the 
number attached to the several vessels. 

Also thinks the detachment on the west side must have nearly 
reached the head of the river before the fort was evacuated. 

Also, that both detachments had artillery and he heard light horse- 
men, too. 

Also says Obed Cushman was here with the militia next day ; says 
he was in the sloop "Providence" awhile, who was all cut to pieces dur- 
ing her last cruise. 

Mr. Macomber further says that Isaac Rowland, Sr., stated his loss 
in shipping to be $6,000. 

He thinks the following privateers were owned, fitted and sailed 

from here: Sloop "Providence" { Stoddard's father was in her), 

"Fairfield," "Revenue," "Hornet." Don't know 

how many were in port at the time. 

Mr. Macomber is very intelligent for a man of his age and has a 
good memory. The facts above stated, so far as they relate to himself, 
to what took place on the east side of the river during the night of the 
landing, what fell under his observations on the west side relating to the 
conflagration, and the death of the three men which he saw in the road 
where they fell the next morning, are personally known to him, and that 
the others were told him on his return and at various times afterwards 
by those who saw them here and by the prisoners who returned from 
the British. 

He states that he cannot be mistaken as to a part of the troops land- 
ing on the east side ; that it looks as plain to him as if it was but yester- 
day and that the whole scene is constantly on his mind and before him. 

Statement of Perry Russell — Eldad Tupper and Joseph Castle resided 
in Dartmouth. They were Tories and were driven out of town by the 
Akins. Captain Elihu Akins, father of Jacob, Abraham, etc., was a 
strong Whig, in consequence of which they joined the British and piloted 
them into Padanaram. They burnt Captain Elihu Akins's house and a 
new brig on the stocks. Inquire of Caleb Shearman. Don't know 
whether it was at the time Bedford was burnt or not. Perry Russell says 
he has seen Caleb, who says they burnt Captain James Akins's and Cap- 
tain Elihu Akins's dwelling houses and a new brig on the stocks the next 
morning after they burnt Bedford. They went in with two row-gallies. 
Seth Tallman says he can remember when there were but five houses in 
the village, but can't tell which they are. 

Timothy Tallman — Says his father's name was Tim, that he was 
commissary ; that on the day of the landing he was at Horse Neck and 
rode in 9 miles in 45 minutes, just past the British at the cove. His 
family had got one load of goods back to farm house ; rest were destroyed. 
His house stood where Barrows' store now is, on corner Third and Union. 
He was afterward taken prisoner at farm house ; his knee buckles and 
shoe buckles were taken ; his favorite horse taken, but afterward restored, 
as also his liberty by the general of whom he spoke well. 

Caleb Shearman, 80 years old March 15, 1840. British fleet came up 
the bay Saturday afternoon. Sunday morning several barges came 
around to Padanaram and burnt Elihu Akins's house, the father of 



26 NEW BEDFORD .. 

Abram ; a two-story house, standing where Akins's house now stands. 
Also James Akins's house, brother of Elihu and father of Justin Akins ; 
set on fire ; stood where John Rushforth, Sr., stands. Set on fire the 
Meribah Akins house, called the Stone House. Reuben Smith lived there, 
and his wife (an Irish woman) put it out several times. Also burnt a 
brig on the stocks ready to launch, owned by Elihu Akins. Richard 
Shearman, reputed father of Nathaniel Shearman, and Joseph Castle and 
Eldad Tupper were Tories and went ofif with the British. The two first 
were pilots. (The Rushforth house is in Padanaram, next south of the 
southeast corner of Elm and Prospect streets). 

Old Fort, or Russell's Garrison, up where Thacher's ship-yard was 
^ the way to head of river. Fort opposite was on the Pardon Sanford lot. 

John Hathazmy, 85 in November, 1839, lived in New Bedford since a 
boy He was an apprentice to Thomas Hathaway, a boat-builder who 
lived on the Nash farm, afterwards moved down town and lived in James 
Davis' house, whilst building the Gideon Howland house. Made whale .» 
boats for Joseph Rotch. I was whaling summer before the war and 
arrived home in sloop about 75 tons the fall before the war was declared. 
Sloop "Friendship," Captain William Claggon. Seth Russell, Daniel 
Smith, William Claggon, Joseph Rotch, Joseph Russell carried on whal- 
ing; brought blubber in "in scuttled hogsheads. I enlisted in Captain 
Thomas Kempton's (afterwards colonel) company volunteers and went 
to Boston in May, 1775. Stayed there 8 months. Then came home, 
joined militia 3 months and served in Boston February, March and April, 
1776, under Captain Benjamin Dillingham, of Acushnet. Went on board 
privateer brig "Rising Empire," 16 carriage guns (States vessel), built in 
Fairhaven. Was in her 4 months ; she was in commission but 2 months. 
She would not sail. Richard Welden, a Vineyard man, commanded her ; 
took no prizes in her. In fall of 1776 enlisted on board of the sloop 
"Broom," Captain Welden (the same as above). Was out only 11 days 
and took 3 prizes and brought them in here, one ship and two brigs, 
loaded with sugar, wine and mahogany right from Jamaica ; think these 
vessels were all burnt. Took one brig three days out and the other two 
vessels five days out, which was Sunday morning ; no gun fired. "Broom" 
had 60 men, 70 or 80 tons. Afterwards, the same fall, went on board 
sloop "Sallv," 115 tons, of 10 guns and 60 men. Francis Broom, master, 
of Connecticut ; owned by Broom & Sears, of Connecticut, same as owned 
the "Broom." Was on board the "Sally" from November, 1776, to Feb- 
ruary, 1777, cruising all the time: took two prizes, one brig and one 
schooner fisherman, which was sent in somewhere to the east ; had no 
engagement. During the cruise fell in with ship and convoy (of 5 sails 
in sight); she was a ship and the 5 sails escaped. We fought her lyi 
hours : had no one hurt. He hulled us ; shot lodged in blankets in fore- 
castle. We hauled oft' to stop leak and she made sail for her convoy. 
We afterwards went into Bay of Biscay and dogged a ship in night and 
got close to 64 gun ship, 2-decker, called "None Such." We didn't think 
in the night she was a man-of-war. We made her in the night. She 
fired upon us from sunrise till 8 o'clock and when her shot nearly reached 
us we gave ourselves up. She carried us into Plymouth and I was a 
prisoner two years and three months in mill prison at a place close by 
Plymouth ; was afterwards at Howland's Ferry. 



NEW BEDFORD 27 

DivcU'mg Houses Burnt — Benjamin Taber, 2 ; Leonard Jarvis, i ; J. 
Lowden, i ; J. Gerrish, i ; W. Claggern, i ; V. Childs, i ; Joseph Rotch, i ; 
Joseph Rotch, Jr., i ; Joseph Russell, i ; total, 10. 

Shops, Etc. — Isaac Rowland's — distil-house, i ; cooper's shop, i ; 
warehouses, 3. Joseph Russell's barn, i ; shop, i. Church's shop (shoe), 
I. J. R. S. — store, i ; warehouse (old), 2; 2 shops, small ; candlehouse, i ; 
L. Kempton, i. Rotch & Jarvis — shop, i ; warehouse, 2. Joseph Rotch 
— barn, I ; chaise house, i ; total, 20. Rope walk and i house. A. Smith, 
blacksmith shop. Benjamin Taber's shop. 

Ships Burnt September, i/jS, by the British Troops — Ship "Harriet," 
ship "Mellish" (Continental), ship "Fanny" (French prize), ship 
"Heron," ship "Leppard," ship "Spaniard," ship "Caesar," barque 
"Nanny," scow "Simeon," brig "Sally" (Continental), brig "Rosin," brig 
"Sally" (fish), schooner "Adventure," schooner "Loyalty" (Continental), 
sloop "Nelly," sloop "Fly" (fish), sloop "Captain Lawrence," schooner 
"Defiance," schooner "Captain Jenney," brig "No Duty on Tea," schooner 
"Sally" (Hornet's prize), sloop "Bowers," sloop "Sally" (12 guns), brig 
"Ritchie," brig "Dove," brig "Holland," sloop "Joseph R.," sloop "Rox- 
iron," sloop "Pilot Fish,'" brig "Sally," sloop "Retaliation," sloop "J. 
Brown's," schooner "Eastward." 

The foregoing gives probably all that relates to the great raid so far 
as New Bedford is concerned. When the British retired the condition 
of the town was pitiful. Warehouses, ship-yards, rope walks and stores 
that had given employment to the inhabitants ; dwellings and barns ; the 
fleet of seventy ships — all gone up in flame and smoke, New Bedford's 
contribution to the price paid for American independence. The price 
paid by the other communities raided was equally severe, but when the 
news reached the individual members of the eight companies of soldiers 
who served from Dartmouth, a spirit was aroused that boded no good to 
the enemy they later met. Judging from the rolls still in existence, Dart- 
mouth township sent at least five hundred men into the army, and there 
were a large number of seamen in the naval service. The loyalty of the 
town was never in doubt, although, as in Newport, Boston, New York, 
Philadelphia, Baltimore and other localities, there were Tories within her 
borders. All over the land there were men who remained loyal to the 
Crown, and it would have been strange if Dartmouth had been without 
such. The non-resistance of the members of the Society of Friends does 
not prove them opposed to Liberty's cause ; on the contrary, just so far 
as their religious principles would permit, they were friendly and helpful 
to the American side. 



CHAPTER V. 
The Brave Industry of Whaling. 

The story of New Bedford's fascinating industry, the whale fishery, 
is so interwoven with the history of New Bedford that it cannot be sepa- 
rated from it, yet the story is so full of romance and adventure, as well 
as of commercial importance, that it deserves special volumes where we 
can give chapters only. 

The water front of New Bedford was once conspicuous by a forest 
of whaleship masts. Now the tall chimneys of the cotton mills have 
assumed the place they occupied in the picture, telling of the decline of 
the whaling business and the progress of the cotton industry which is 
now on the top wave of success. 

Along the water front one still encounters a few old buildings of 
stone which were occupied by whaling agents in the palmy days of whal- 
ing, when a great race of merchants and captains frequented them. The 
merchants were a type of men such as this generation produces not, — 
portly nabobs who wore broadcloth, and beaver hats and jeweled watch 
fobs, looking the part of men of large aiifairs, others in the garb of the 
Quaker, while the captain of those old days was the embodiment of afflu- 
ence. The boys of that early day all aspired to command whaleships, 
and the captain of a whaler was looked upon by youth with the awe with 
which Mark Twain used to look upon the captains of the Mississippi^ 
steamboats. 

In these buildings were the counting rooms of the whaling mer- 
chants. The first floors were often the ship chandlery shops and rooms 
where whaling outfits were stored between voyages. The counting 
rooms were on the second floors, and there were sail lofts and rigging 
lofts in the upper stories. These counting rooms had a character all 
their own. There were counters and iron railings behind which were 
desks of mahogany. The bookkeepers stood up, or sat on high stools. 
There were few desks in the old counting rooms at which the office help 
might sit in a chair. About the office walls were models of whaleships 
and whaling prints reproduced from the paintings of Benjamin Russell. 
There were boxes on the shelves, lettered with the names of the whale 
ships, in which the vessels' bills and papers were kept. 

One of these great buildings of stone and brick, unadorned by archi- 
tectural ornament and reflecting the tendencies of the business men of 
the period, is still standing at the foot of Union street, and is now occu- 
pied in part by the offices of the New York, New Haven & Hartford rail- 
road. The great house of Isaac Howland, Jr., & Company, occupied 



NEW BEDFORD 29 

offices here, and later on their successors, Edward Mott Robinson, the 
father of the late Hetty Green, and Thomas Mandell were located here. 
Other offices in this building were occupied by Charles R. Tucker, 
Edward D. Mandell, John R. Thornton, Dennis Wood, Oliver Crocker 
and George O. Crocker. In old Parker's block at the foot of Middle 
street, now demolished, were the offices of John Avery Parker and Jireh 
Perry, Pardon Tillinghast and William C. N. Swift, and, later on, Wil- 
liam Philips and George R. Philips. Others in the list of merchants were 
George Rowland, Matthew Rowland, Henry Taber and John Hunt, 
succeeded by William G. Taber and William Gordon, Edward C. Jones, 
William Watkins. Alexander Gibbs, William O. Brownell, Thomas 
Knowles, Edward W. Rowland, George Barney, Otis Seabury, Edward 
Seabury and J. & W. R. Wing. 

The late Jonathan Bourne, the most successful of all the whaling 
merchants in New Bedford's rich history, who owned at one time more 
ships than any man in New England, carried on business in the old stone 
block at the head of Merrill's wharf throughout his career, and his count- 
ing rooms are now exactly as he left them, the sole survivor of all the 
counting rooms which are visualized in the minds of those who remem- 
ber the fascinating industry, no less than the quaint old ships strongly 
characterized by their clumsy wooden davits and masthead perches from 
which the lookouts watched for whales. 

There is to-day an odor of whale oil about Merrill's wharf, con- 
tributed by a few hundred casks of oil that happen to be stored there at 
this time, which brings back memories of departed days to the old citizen 
who gets a whiff of oil and seaweed once so familiar. The power of 
smells to evoke pictures was recently emphasized by Mr. Kipling. "Have 
you noticed," he wrote the other day, "wherever a few travelers gather 
together, one or the other is sure to say, 'Do you remember the smell of 
such and such a place?' Then he may go to speak of camel — pure camel 
— one whifif of which is all Arabia ; or of the smell of rotten eggs at Hitt, 
on the Euphrates, where Noah got the pitch for the ark ; or the flavor 
of drying fish in Burma." Mr. Kipling's allusion brought out a swarm 
of letters from people who tried to assign the characteristic smell of 
great cities. One man tells that the odor of Paris is a mingling of the 
fragrance of burnt coffee, of caporal and of burning peat. Berlin, we are 
told, has the clean, asphalty, disinfectant smell of all new towns ; while 
Vienna the windy reeks of dust. The London "Times," coming in here, 
is stirred to a pitch of poetical enlargement by the topic : "The subject 
of smells in their relation to the traveler is an old and favorite topic with 
Mr. Kipling. Has he not said somewhere that the smell of the Hima- 
layas always calls a man back? And does not his time-expired soldier 
sing of the 'spicy garlic smells' of Burma? The smells of travel are 



30 NEW BEDFORD 

indeed innumerable. The voyager gets his first real whiff of the east 
when he lands at Aden, and drives along a dusty road to the bazaar 
within the crater. It lingers in his nostrils for evermore. On the coast 
o< Burma and down the straits the air is redolent of rotten fish and over- 
ripe fruit. Tropical jungles have been olfactory memories of decaying 
vegetation. The smell of Chinese villages is like nothing else in the 
world, but the odd thing is that to the true traveler it ceases to be dis- 
agreeable." 

So much for smells, apropos of those which linger on Merrill's wharf. 
In the old days casks of oil coated with seaweed covered every wharf 
along the water front of New Bedford. The leakage saturated the soil, 
and the air was redolent with the heavy odor. After a century in which 
it was the distinctive New Bedford smell it has vanished excepting from 
this little spot where, in the only place on earth, is exhaled the odor of 
the industry which produced great fortunes and made the New Bedford 
of old the richest city in the country in proportion to its population. 

The records of Plymouth and Nantucket as far back as 1676 and 
1690, respectively, tell of the business of killing whales, which was car- 
ried on in boats from the shore. In 1751 there were two or three vessels 
from Apponagansett river engaged in this fishery. These vessels were 
owned by John Wady and Daniel Wood. There were at this date one or 
two vessels in this business from the Acushnet river owned by Joseph 
and Caleb Russell. Up to this time whales were principally taken 
between George's Bank and the Capes of Virginia ; and the voyages 
continued from four to six weeks. Soon after, the whalemen extended 
their cruising grounds to the eastward of the Newfoundland coast, and 
the voyages were lengthened to three months. At first more vessels 
were fitted from Apponagansett river than from the Acushnet ; but soon 
the superior advantages of our harbor became apparent, and the Appona- 
gansett vessels were fitted here. 

Consider for a moment the aspect of our town when these two or 
three little sloops were fitting for their whaling voyages, wrote William 
W. Crapo : "The present site of the city was a forest. There was a 'try- 
house' near the shore (at the foot of Centre street), and a rough cart- 
way led through the woods to the few farm houses on the County road." 
The Rev. Paul Coffin, who ten years later (July 21, 1761) visited the 
place, thus describes it in his journal: "This day rode to Dartmouth, a 
spacious town ; twenty miles will carry you through it. Rocks and oaks 
are over the w.hole town. Whortle bushes and rocks in this and the two 
former towns are the sad comfort of the weary traveler. At sunset 
arrived at Rev. West's." 

New Bedford is very rich in old manuscripts, which are continually 
coming to light. A few sheets of great interest are preserved, giving an 
account of the Russell family. Joseph Russell was the founder of the 



NEW BEDFORD 31 

whale fishery, and the record from which quotation is made was pre- 
pared by William T. Russell, sixty or seventy years ago. Joseph Rus- 
sell was a son of John Russell, one of the original proprietors of the town 
of Dartmouth. He was born in 1719, and died in 1804. His house stood 
on the country road between the court house and the Charles W. Mor- 
gan estate. The old manuscript recites as follows : 

In the earliest stages of the whaling business sloops of only forty or 
fifty tons were employed. These vessels ventured out to sea in the sum- 
mer months only, and no further than the Capes of Virginia and Cape 
Hatteras, and took especial care to return to port before the equinoctial 
gales in September. They were generally successful in taking sperm 
whales, and brought home the blubber and tried it out on shore. As 
their experience increased larger vessels were employed, and they ven- 
tured as far as the bay of Mexico. And finally, during his life, ships ven- 
tured around Cape Horn to the Pacific ocean for sperm whales. 

Joseph Russell first established a sperm oil factory in New Bedford. 
The building stood on the north side of the square at the foot of Center 
street. The art of refining spermaceti in those days was known to but a 
few men, and kept by them a profound secret. Joseph Russell employed 
a Mr. Chaffee for a number of years to do his refining at a salary of $500 
per year — an enormous sum for those days. While at work he was shut 
up by himself, and no one was allowed to be present, that no one should 
steal his wonderful art. 

Joseph Russell was a shrewd, enterprising man. At one time he 
carried on an extensive mercantile business. In 1770, in company with 
his son Barnabas, he owned in addition to his whaling vessels several 
trading with southern ports and the West Indies. They kept a store at 
the foot of Center street, and imported their goods from London. The 
Revolutionary War put an end to their prosperity. Their vessels were 
taken and their losses by the depreciation of the Continental money left 
them at the close of the war with but little beside their real estate. 

The ship "Rebecca" was the first ship built in New Bedford. She 
was launched in the spring of 1785. George Claghorn, who afterward 
built the frigate "Constitution," the pride of our navy, was the master 
carpenter. The "Rebecca" was owned by Joseph Russell and his sons, 
Barnabas and Gilbert. The timber of which she was built was largely 
cut in the southwesterly part of the town. She measured about 175 tons, 
which was considered so immensely large that she was the wonder and 
admiration of the surrounding country. People from Taunton, Bridge- 
water and all of the neighboring towns came to New Bedford to see the 
big ship. There was a woman figurehead carved for her and when it 
was about being put upon her a member of the Society of Friends remon- 
strated against so vain and useless an ornament, and she went to sea 
without it. A mock funeral service was held and the figurehead of 
"Rebecca" was buried in the sand. Joseph Russell's sons were the prime 
movers in the ceremony. 

The owners of the "Rebecca" had some difficulty in finding a man 
of sufficient experience to trust with the command of so big a ship. 
James Haydon was finally i^lected for her captain, and Cornelius Grin- 
nell her first mate. She sailed on her first voyage to Philadelphia, from 



32 NEW BEDFORD 

there to Liverpool. Mr. Grinnell was her captain on the second voyage, 
and he commanded her for six years. 

The "Rebecca" was the first American whaleship to double Cape 
Horn. She was commanded by Captain Kearsley and made a successful 
voyage, obtaining a cargo of sperm oil on the coast of Chile, returning in 
about twelve months. The "Rebecca" finally made a disastrous end. 
She sailed from Liverpool for New York in the autumn of 1798, com- 
manded by Captain Andrew Gardner, and was never heard from. 

Joseph Rotch came here from Nantucket in 1765, realizing the 
greater opportunities for the whaling industry here, and purchased a 
large tract of land. William Rotch came later, bringing with him his 
son, William Rotch, Jr. They were men of great wealth and built stately 
mansions with beautiful surroundings, "fair as gardens of the Lord." 
They brought their ships likewise. Several of the vessels of the Rotch 
fleet achieved great fame. It was the ship "Dartmouth," named by Dart- 
mouth men, that carried the tea into Boston harbor that was thrown over 
by Revolutionary patriots. It was the ship "Bedford" that was the first 
to display our flag in British waters. The credit has sometimes been 
given to the ship "Maria." As a matter of fact the credit belongs to the 
old ship "Bedford" of this port. It was passing strange that not only 
the newspapers but Mrs. Farrar, a granddaughter of the elder William 
Rotch, in her "Recollections of Seventy Years," and Mrs. P. A. Hanaford 
published the erroneous statement. "I have often heard the old gentle- 
man tell with pride and pleasure," wrote Mrs. Farrar, "that the 'Maria' 
was the first ship that ever unfurled the flag of the United States in the 
Thames." Yet the records show that on the date the flag was displayed 
in the Thames the 'Maria' was lying at the wharf at Nantucket. "Bar- 
nard's History," a rare book, published at the time, contained the fol- 
lowing: 

The ship "Bedford," Captain Moores, belonging in Massachusetts, 
arrived in the Downs on the 3d of February, passed Gravesend on the 3d, 
and was reported at the custom house on the 6th inst. She was not 
allowed regular entry until some consultation had taken place between 
the commissioners of the customs and the lords of council, on account of 
the many acts of Parliament in force against the rebels of America. She 
was load'ed with 487 butts of whale oil, is American built, manned wholly 
by American seamen, and wears the rebel colors. This is the first vessel 
that has displayed the thirteen rebellious stripes of America in any Brit- 
ish port. The vessel is at Horseledour, a little below the Tower, and is 
intended to return immediately to New England. 

In a letter to Hezekiah Barnard, dated at New Bedford, 8th mo., 3d, 
1842, William Rotch, Jr., thus speaks of the "Bedford" and her voyage : 

In 1 781 Admiral Digby granted thirty licenses for our vessels to go 
after whales. I was then connected with my father and Samuel Rodman 



NEW BEDFORD 33 

in business. Considerable oil was obtained in 1782. In the fall of that 
year I went to New York and procured licenses from Admiral Digby for 
the "Bedford," William Mooers, master, and I think the "Industry," 
John Chadwick, master. They loaded. The "Bedford'' sailed first, arriv- 
ing in the Downs, February 23. the day of the signing of the preliminary 
treaty of peace between the United States, France and England, and 
went up to London, and there displayed for the first time the United 
States flag. The "Industry" arrived afterwards and was, I suppose, the 
second to display it. The widow of George Hayley, who did much busi- 
ness with New England, would visit the old "Bedford" and see the flag 
displayed. She was the sister of the celebrated John Wilkes. 

William Rotch, Jr., might have added to his notice of Mme. Hayley 
that a more intimate connection with the Rotches than a visit to the ship 
was contemplated, for Mme. Hayley was at one time betrothed to Francis 
Rotch. 

Even if the "Maria" is deprived of the erroneous fame attributed to 
her, she yet remains the most interesting vessel, perhaps, that ever sailed 
from this port. She was built for a privateer at Pembroke, Massachu- 
setts, in 1782. She was purchased by William Rotch and taken to Nan- 
tucket, from whence she made a voyage to London with a cargo of oil. 
After the voyage she was employed in whaling, and was owned by 
Samuel Rodman. It is a tradition that she was a bridal present from 
Mr. Rodman's father-in-law, Mr. Rotch, on the occasion of the marriage 
of his daughter. In all she made twenty-seven voyages, and is credited 
with having taken about 25,000 barrels of sperm oil, whale oil, and many 
thousand pounds of whalebone. It is said that in 1859 $250,000 stood 
to her credit. She had been of but little expense to her underwriters. 

On July 4, 1785, when the "Maria" sailed for London with a cargo 
of oil, Mr. Rotch and his son Benjamin went in her as passengers to 
induce the English government to permit the establishment of the whale 
fishery in England. Mr. Rotch had several interviews with the leaders 
of the government, and, getting no satisfaction, he went to France and 
had an interview with the King, which resulted in establishing the indus- 
try at Dunkirk. Returning to England in the "Maria" Mr. Rotch had 
the satisfaction of telling the English they were too late. France hav- 
ing accepted the offer of which England was slow to take advantage. 

When the "Maria" was fifty years old, she had made four voyages to 
London, thirteen to Brazil banks, then a famous whaling ground ; one to 
the Indian ocean, one to the Falkland islands, and eighteen to the Pacific 
ocean. In 1836 the "Maria" sailed, but returned, having been struck 
by lightning. In 1838 she was changed from a ship to a bark, and in 
1849 sailed for the Indian ocean. While on this cruise the bark's career 
was nearly ended. She was seized by the natives of the Johanna islands. 
Captain Morris, then in command, was imprisoned. The bark was after- 

N B-3 



34 NEW BEDFORD 

wards released and spared the fate of burning, which was frequently 
dealt by the natives in those times. 

The "Maria" sailed for this port September 29, 1859, on what was 
destined to be her last voyage under the American flag. She was then 
seventy-seven years old, and had been owned by Mr. Rotch and his 
descendants all the time. To avoid the risk of capture by rebel cruisers 
she was sold February 24, 1863, at Talcahuano, Chile, to Burton & Trum- 
bull, and her name was changed to "Maria Pachaco." She was used as a 
coaler until 1866, when she was fitted for whaling under command of 
David Briggs, of Dartmouth, Massachusetts. She continued under the 
Chilean flag in the whaling and coal carrying business until 1870. Then 
she was used as an oil receiving ship until 1872, when she took fire and 
was condemned. With her breaking up at Vancouver island, her strange 
eventful history was brought to a close. 

The War of the Revolution nearly destroyed the whaling business, 
and when peace was restored there was great rejoicing, and then came 
a stunning blow. Great Britain, as William W. Crapo tells us, had 
enacted a law which in effect prohibited the importation of American 
caught oil into the kingdom. The purpose of the law was apparent. The 
New England catch was in excess of the demand for home consumption, 
and unless there was an outlet for the surplus, which had been largely 
through London, there could be no extension of the industry ; and, with 
the surplus thrown upon a market which did not require it, the return 
would be unremunerative, which would lead to reduction of the fleet and 
the possible abandonment of the enterprise. Great Britain did not pass 
the law for the purpose of protecting an existing British industry, nor 
to encourage or promote a new British industry. Far from it. The 
words of Edmund Burke in his famous speech in Parliament a few years 
before, when remonstrating against the war with the colonies, were still 
ringing in the ears of the Britons. He told them of a people living on 
the New England coast, few in number, who surpassed in maritime 
adventure and daring the people of every nation in Europe. With rare 
and impressive eloquence he had portrayed their marvelous triumphs on 
the ocean. He said they were a people whom equinoctial heats did not 
disturb, nor the accumulated winters of the poles. That there was no 
ocean that was not vexed with their vessels, and no climate that did not 
witness their toil. He spoke of them as people still "in the gristle," as it 
were, and not yet hardened in the bone of manhood. England was ambi- 
tious to be the mistress of the seas, and she feared that the new nation, 
should it become strong and powerful, might some day challenge her 
sovereignty of the ocean. Hence she would throttle and destroy at the 
outset an industry that bred such a race of seamen. 

William Rotch went to London. He interviewed the leading public 



NEW BEDFORD 35 

men of that time. He met members of Parliament and urged the repeal 
of the obnoxious law. He was received with coldness. After long and 
vexatious delay the matter was referred to the First Lord of the Admi- 
ralty, Lord Hawksbury. Realizing that he could not obtain the annul- 
m.ent of the law Mr. Rotch still hoped that some agreement would be 
reached whereby to secure the continuance of the New England whale 
fishery. He suggested that an English port be designated where Ameri- 
can whaleships could enter to make repairs and to purchase the equip- 
ment and supplies for their voyage, thereby furnishing employment to 
English workmen and profit to English tradesmen, and on the com- 
pletion of the voyages such vessels might reenter that port and discharge 
their cargoes, which would be sold and distributed by English merchants 
who would receive a liberal compensation for their service. Mr. Rotch 
had in mind, if this concession was granted, that the ships owned in 
Dartmouth and Nantucket would still fly the American flag and be 
manned with American sailors. 

The concession was not granted, — Lord Hawksbury scornfully say- 
ing — "Mr. Rotch, we do not want your ships. England builds ships. 
What we do want are your men." And so he went to France. He met 
there members of the Ministry and explained to them what he wanted to 
accomplish, and asked for certain privileges and protection. These were 
granted to him by the government. At Dunkirk he established a busi- 
ness for the marketing of American oil, which he placed in charge of his 
son Benjamin. Returning to this country he ever afterwards lived in 
New Bedford, which had separated from the mother town, and never 
ceased his efforts for the success of the whaling industry for the com- 
munity to which he had attached himself. 

In the succeeding generation the prominent whaling merchants were 
John Avery Parker and George Howland, Sr. They were able men, with 
full knowledge of all matters pertaining to the fishery. They were enter- 
prising, venturesome, efficient and successful. They added many ships 
to our fleet, and they greatly increased the wealth of the town. 

Among the men of that period who had an important part in our 
special industry was Isaac Howland, Jr., the founder and active manager 
of the firm which bore his name. His firm is remembered by the magni- 
tude of its operations and the gainful results. The remarkable house 
founded by Isaac Howland, Jr., was represented and crystalized in the 
famous Hetty Green. Isaac Howland, Jr., was a little man, weighing 
only ninety-five pounds. He found it the greatest hardship and toil to 
accumulate the first thousand dollars. When there were small schooners 
trading from the West Indies, before the seizures which led to the 
French spoliation claims, the sailors wore silk stockings into port on the 
Howlands' ships. Isaac Howland, Jr., bought these stockings from the 
men, washed and ironed them, and resold them at a good profit. This is 



36 NEW BEDFORD 

a feeble structure on which to build a fortune of forty or fifty millions. 
He could neither read nor write. His one object was money, money, 
money. He had one daughter who married the famous Uncle Gideon 
Howland. Uncle Gideon lived on the corner of School and South Water 
streets. He died in 1847, leaving about $800,000. 

Edward Mott Robinson, the father of Hetty Green, came here penni- 
less, and marrjed Abby Howland, one of Gideon's daughters. The other 
daughter was Sylvia Ann Howland, who never married. Robinson was 
a strange man. He lived a sad and miserable life, and he had a few 
redeeming qualities. Many stories are told of him. One day a young 
man offered him a cigar. He examined it and asked what it cost. Upon 
being told that it cost ten cents he handed it back with the remark: "I 
buy mine two for a cent. If I smoke that one I will have my taste culti- 
vated for good ones, and I don't want that." Of George Howland, Sr., 
Mary Jane Howland Taber wrote : 

He was particular about the names of his ships. There was the 
"George and Susan," and the "George Howland," and the "Ann Alexan- 
der," the name of an Irish friend who was traveling in this country, and 
the "Corinthian," supposed to refer to Paul's epistles, and the "Gol- 
conda," a pleasant association of ideas with the diamond mines of Hin- 
dustan, and when he bought of Stephen Girard a merchant vessel named 
"Rousseau," it was with the intention of fitting her for a whaler and 
changing her name. As soon as she arrived in this port he had the 
figurehead of the "infidel" chopped off and thrown into the mud of the 
dock, where perchance it still reposes. While casting about in his mind 
for an unexceptionable name he was told the name could not be changed. 
Once "Rousseau," always "Rousseau." He declared he was very much 
tried, which in worldly parlance might mean very angry, or pretty mad, 
and talked of sending the ship back to Philadelphia, though of course he 
was aware that could not be done. This devil's bark proved very lucky, 
and always made what the sailors call greasy voyages, but when her 
great catches were reported her owner puffed out his cheeks and emitted 
a contemptuous "pooh." When he was obliged to speak the name he 
purposely mispronounced it, calling it "Rus-o," and to this day you will 
hear people speak of "the old Rus-o." She had the longest life of any 
known ship, lasting from 1801 to 1893. The bracket which supports the 
bust of George Howland, Jr., in the Free Public Library is a part of the 
carved scroll which usurped the place under the bowsprit of the great 
Frenchman's figurehead, and has ploughed most of the oceans of the 
globe. ■ 




WH.VLEIiS HEADY FOl; THE VOYAGE. 



CHAPTER VI. 
The Golden Age. 

In what might be called "The Golden Age" of New Bedford its whal- 
ing vessels in number and tonnage exceeded the combined fleets of all 
other whaling ports, and New Bedford became known as the foremost 
whaling port of the world. 

In 1845 New Bedford was the fourth tonnage district in the United 
States, the others being New York, Boston and New Orleans. The regi- 
tered tonnage of New Bedford at that time was nearly double that of 
Philadelphia. Seven hundred and thirty-six vessels of all kinds were 
employed in the business, with a tonnage of 233,262. The greatest 
import ever received in one year was in 1845, being 158,000 barrels of 
sperm oil, 272,000 barr^els of whale oil, and 3,000,000 pounds of whale- 
bone. The prices then ruled at eighty-eight to ninety and one-half cents 
for sperm oil ; thirty-two and seven-eighths to thirty-six and one-half 
cents for whale oil ; and thirty-three and five-eighths to forty cents for 
whalebone. The whaleships owned in New Bedford would have made a 
line ten miles in length. The whaleboats which they carried would have 
extended six miles if strung out in a line, and there were 10,000 strong 
sailors to man them. 

The present generation knows from tradition that New Bedford once 
ranked first among the whaling cities, but there are few, if any, who 
know what this industry meant in dollars and cents. The literature of 
the subject has been devoted to the romance, and to certain statistics 
dealing with vessels employed, dates of sailings and catches ; but in this 
practical day there is no doubt a desire to know what there was in it 
from the dividend point of view. 

An old report on the whale fishery, compiled by James Arnold and 
made to the National Convention for the Protection of American Inter- 
ests about the year 1843, recently came to light. It is the property of 
Frank E. Brown, and gives statistics which have never been compiled 
elsewhere, and which furnish information on one phase of our historic 
industry which is of exceeding interest. James Arnold, it may be said, 
was a son-in-law and partner of William Rotch, Jr., and a famous mer- 
chant prince, a "captain of industry," to employ the vernacular of the 
day. Boston people remember him as the giver of the "Arnold arbore- 
tum." and his benefactions to his home city were numerous. There is 
hardly an institution or charitable society but has its "James Arnold 
fund." Mr. Arnold made his report from tabular schedules kept at New- 
Bedford. The whole number of vessels employed in the national whale 
fishery was estimated at 650, tonnaging 193,000 tons, manned by 16,000 



38 NEW BEDFORD 

officers and men. Of these vessels it was estimated that 360 were 
employed in the spermaceti and 290 in the common whale fishery. 

To outfit and equip these vessels on each voyage which they per- 
formed required the following- materials, and from these statistics we 
get market quotations of food not without interest : 1300 barrels or iron- 
hooped casks, at $1.40 per barrel, amounting to $1,820. Provisions as 
follows: 127 barrels of beef and pork, estimated value for ten years, 
$10 per barrel, $1,270; 106,000 barrels of flour at $6, $636,000; 32,500 
barrels of corn at 70 cents, $22,750; 6500 bushels of beans at $1.25, $8,125 ; 
1,306,000 pounds of tobacco at 11 cents, $143,000; 1300 try pots at $60, 
$78,000; 650,000 pounds of rice at 3 cents, $19,500; 65,000 bushels pota- 
toes at 35 cents, $22,750; 325,000 pounds of cheese at 8 cents, $26,000; 
325,000 pounds of butter at 17 cents, $55,250; 312,000 pounds of dried 
apples at 4 cents, $12,480; 3900 barrels of vinegar at $3, $12,480; 6500 
pounds of tar at $2.25, $14,650; 2500 whale boats at $60, $150,000; 2600 
sets of oars, six oars to a set, at $10, $26,000; 300,000 feet pine boards at 
$20 per thousand, $60,000 ; total, $2,636,785. 

Sheathing copper and nails, $1,039,200: 3,000,000 yards of domestic 
cotton and prints. $300,000; amount paid for labor of carpenters, calkers, 
riggers, block and sail makers, $1,248,000; blacksmiths' bills for stock and 
work, $291,000; clothing for men and slops for the voyage, including 
63.400 pairs of shoes, $1,704,000; 6,210,000 pounds of cordage and tow 
lines at 12 cents, $745,200, of which one-third goes for the labor of the 
ropemaker at home ; 28,840 pieces of heavy foreign duck, $471,960; 14,800 
pieces of light duck, $133,200; 592,000 gallons of molasses, $148,000: 
404,000 pounds of sugar, $32,330; 404,000 pounds of cofifee (average ten 
years, 10 cents), $40,400; total, $6,153,280. 

The total cost of fitting the fleets was therefore $10,610,060. This 
labor and material was for ordinary outfit, and not for ships requiring 
repairs, often involving the cost of a new ship. On the basis of these 
estimates Mr. Arnold estimated the whole value of the ships and outfit 
as they sail at $20,120,000. 

The length of voyages in the sperm fishery at that time was three 
years, and on the right whale ships twenty months. The proceeds or 
imports from the fishery in 1841 were : 

Spermaceti oil, 5,018,076 gallons at 95 cents $4,767,172 

Right whale oil, 6,531,462 gallons at s^Yi cents 2,177,154 

Whalebone, 2,073.480 pounds at 20 cents 414,696 

$7-359.022 

On these returns the officers and crews would draw for their serv- 
ices on the voyage about thirty per cent., or $2,207,706. These statistics 
show the volume of business and its profits in a form which has not been 



NEW BEDFORD 39 

presented elsewhere. Roughly figured, and based on three-year voyages, 
they show annual proceeds to the owner on an investment of $20,120,000 
of $5,151,316, exclusive of interest and insurance charges and deprecia- 
tion. 

Just a word about the men who were masters and officers of the 
New Bedford ships in those days. A race of men had been nurtured 
and trained in these ships who were daring and skillful, with keen per- 
ceptive faculties in pursuit of the big game. They were also able navi- 
gators and seamen, upright and careful managers of the property 
entrusted to them. They were gathered from the town or from the sur- 
rounding country. Naturally there was a fascination to the youthful 
mind. They were the heroes of the port, and they looked to pass the 
grades of promotion speedily, and in due time to walk the deck as master. 
And this, those of them who were of the right stuiif, really did. 

The position of competent master of a good ship was one to be 
envied. Even if it did cause for a time separation from home ties and 
family surroundings, it was a position of honor and trust and great 
responsibility. The master was in charge of life and property, and his 
word was law, and where he willed he could go. On his discretion and 
good judgment turned success or failure to many besides himself, on sea 
and shore. His draft in foreign ports for supplies or requirements bound 
every individual owner in the ship for the full amount of his disburse- 
ments. In this respect the power entrusted to him illustrates the incon- 
sistencies of our human nature ; close, careful men, who on shore would 
not trust their neighbor with a small portion of their property, who dis- 
trusted everyone's judgment and integrity, would placidly repose in the 
power of a master who was to sail the world around, and had the right 
to make drafts in any quarter that might easily absorb their all. To the 
honor of the men who commanded ships and accepted such trusts be it 
said that instances wherein they were unfaithful to the confidences 
reposed in them were rare indeed. 

The business was an almost perfect instance of cooperative work. 
The owners furnished ship and all the necessary outfits and advances. 
Captain, officers and crew took these from their hands, and furnished 
their capacity and energy to procure the cargo, each man on board to 
receive a certain pro rata or share, called "lay," of the net result, the dis- 
tribution being in the proportion of two-thirds to the capital invested, 
and one-third to labor; in the latter ability, readily recognized, com- 
manded the highest reward. 

No member of a whaleship's crew, from the captain down, received 
fixed wages. If the ship takes no oil, or disaster overtakes her, the crew 
have nothing but their existence and labor and pains. Officers and crew 
are shipped with the promise of a certain percentage of the catch. A 



40 NEW BEDFORD 

captain receives a lay ranging from a tenth or twelfth to a fifteenth, 
according to his success in previous voyages, which means that one 
barrel of oil in every ten to fifteen taken is his share. In the case of a 
foremast hand his lay ranges from one one-hundred-and-fiftieth to one 
two-hundredth. The ordinary whaler carries a crew of thirty-five men. 
The mate receives a lay from an eighteenth to a twenty-fifth, according 
to agreement. The second mate receives a thirty-fourth, the third mate 
a forty-fifth, boatheader a fifty-fifth, four boatsteers from a hundred and 
eighteenth to a hundred and seventy-fifth, cooper a sixty-third, steward a 
ninetieth, cook a hundred and twentieth and half the slush, green hands 
from a hundred and seventy-fifth to a hundred and eighty-fifth, boy a 
two hundredth, one seaman and one seaman carpenter each a hundred 
and sixty-fifth, three ordinary seamen each a hundred and seventy-fifth. 

As illustrating the aspect of life along the water front of New Bed- 
ford during the days when the whaling industry was in its prime the 
following from "The Mercury" of March 30, 1838, is quoted: "We have 
the satisfaction to-day of announcing the safe arrival at this port during 
the last two days of no less than nine vessels employed in the whale 
fishery, richly freighted with cargoes amounting in the aggregate nearly 
to 20,000 barrels of sperm and whale oil, and valued at the present prices 
at more than $260,000. A considerable portion of these cargoes have 
been already disposed of, and for the quantity remaining to be put on 
the market, even higher rates will probably b^ obtained, in consequence 
of the recent advance in the price of oils in the European markets." And 
again November 2, 1838, it is announced: "Four arrivals at this port 
Friday from the Pacific ocean have brought upwards of 9,500 barrels of 
sperm oil, valued at about $290,000." 

Some of the bowhead whales yield an enormous product. Authori- 
ties differ as to the number of slabs of whalebone to be found in the jaw 
of the bowhead and right whales. Captain Wicks says 615 slabs in a 
bowhead and 420 in a right whale. Captain Earle says 514 in a bowhead, 
and Captain George Baker says 630 in a bowhead and 430 in a right whale. 
Captain Simeon Hawes once took a bowhead whale which made 375 
barrels of oil, which is the record. The steamer "Jeanette" took a whale 
one cruise the bone of which weighed 3000 pounds. Captain Willis, on 
one Arctic voyage, took two whales the bone of which aggregated 5600 
pounds. Captain Henry Taber, in the bark "America," took a bowhead 
whale the bone of which weighed 3000 pounds, the oil made 260 barrels, 
and some of the whalebone measured seventeen feet in length. Two of 
the slabs of this bone were in a Honolulu shipping office for many years, 
and lately have been in a saloon there. A North Dartmouth man remem- 
bers the circumstances of the taking of this whale, and saw the bone in 
1 om Spencer's office in Honolulu. This was almost the longest bone 



NEW BEDFORD 



41 



ever taken from a bowhead whale. The ship "Ocean" once took a freak 
whale with an abnormally small body, the bone of which was eighteen 
feet in length. 

Captain Charles Brower, who spent more than twenty-five years in 
the Arctic, made the statement that a bowhead whale will break ice two 
feet thick. Upon the receipt of whalebone in port it is cleaned with 
scrapers and brushes, and then submitted to a softening process in water 
until it becomes pliable, when it is steamed and cut into strips and 
lengths of marketable size. Arctic whalemen figure that for every barrel 
of oil taken from a bowhead there will be seventeen pounds of whale- 
bone, while in the Okhotsk sea but fourteen pounds of bone to the barrel. 




CHAPTER VII. 
New Bedford In Melville's Time. 

Fifty years ago boys carried "Moby Dick" to bed and scared them- 
selves so wide awake with Captain Ahab and his terrible foe that they 
couldn't get to sleep. And this classic of whaling romance, with its 
graphic pictures of New Bedford fifty years ago, is now so far forgotten 
that a lover of Herman Melville has asked fifty New Bedford boys if 
they have read "Moby Dick," and not one, he declares, had ever heard 
of this book. 

The fascinating picture of New Bedford which Melville presented 
has caused many a boy and man to make a pilgrimage here. Robert J. 
Burdette confesses that he came about thirty years ago with Melville's 
picture in his mind, and "The Spouter Inn" was not, albeit a man showed 
him the long lance, "now widely elbowed," with which Nathan Swain 
did kill fifteen whales between a sunrise and a simset. The fact that 
Melville has presented to us a picture of New Bedford fifty years ago, 
at a time when it was one of the unique cities of the world, makes it 
possible for this generation to appreciate how great a change the years 
have accomplished in the successful effort to keep up with a changing 
world. 

It was a Saturday night in December, sixty or seventy years ago, 
when Melville stufifed a few shirts into his carpet bag and left New York 
for Cape Horn and the Pacific by way of New Bedford and Nantucket. 
He was determined to sail on a Nantucket whaler, because in the matter 
of whaling Nantucket was the great original — the Tyre of this Carthage 
— the place where the first American whale was stranded, and from 
whence the first adventurous sloop put forth, partly laden with imported 
cobble stones, the story goes, to throw at the whale in order to discover 
when they were nigh enough to risk a harpoon from the bowsprit. As a 
matter of fact he sailed from New Bedford in the "Acushnet." His name 
may yet be seen on the crew list which reposes at the custom house. He 
missed the packet, and to this we are indebted to the only picture of 
New Bedford in those whaling times, which is preserved to us. It was 
a very dark and dismal night, bitingly cold and cheerless. "Such dreary 
streets," writes Melville, "blocks of blackness, not houses, on either hand, 
and here and there a candle, like a candle moving about in a tomb." 
With halting steps Melville paced the streets. He passed the sign of 
"The Crossed Harpoons," which looked too expensive and jolly. So did 
the "Sword Fish Inn." At last he came to a dim sort of light, not far 
from the docks, and heard a forlorn creaking in the air, and looking up 
saw a swinging sign over the door, with a painting upon it representing 



NEW BEDFORD ^3 

a tall straight jet of misty spray, and underneath these words, "The 
Spouter Inn, Peter Coffin." 

Then follows the description of "The Spouter Inn," typical of the 
sailor boarding houses which disappeared but a few years ago. There 
was a wide, low, straggling entry, with old-fashioned wainscots, remind- 
ing one of the bulwarks of some old condemned craft. On one side hung 
a painting representing a Cape Horner in a hurricane, the half foundered 
ship weltering with three dismantled masts alone visible, and an exas- 
perated whale purposing to spring clean over the craft in the seemingly 
enormous act of impaling himself upon the three mastheads. On the 
opposite wall was hung a heathenish array of clubs and spears, some 
set with glittering teeth resembling ivory saws. Mixed with these were 
rusty old whaling lances and harpoons, broken and deformed. Then 
there were divers specimens of skrimshander. 

This was all typical only a few years ago, and the description would 
have applied to scores of sailor boarding houses on Water street and 
"The Marsh," but now they are not. Nor is the prototype of Queequeg, 
that awful harpooner, "He never eats dumplings: he don't. He eats 
nothing but steaks, and likes 'em rare." 

Of all the institutions connected with whaling mentioned by Mel- 
ville, there is but one which can be pointed out to the seeTcer of literary 
landmarks. That is the Seaman's Bethel. The New Bedford Port 
Society was established over seventy years ago, and in 1831 a chapel was 
built. It was dedicated May 2, 1832, "Father" Taylor, of Boston, officiat- 
ing. Then the Bethel flag was unfurled, and from that time to the pres- 
ent has never failed on every Sabbath morning to signal to the sailor that 
there is a temple peculiarly his own, where he is welcomed on his return 
from his voyage, and where he can listen to the words of Gospel. The 
chapel that Melville attended and described was destroyed by fire in 
1866, but a feature that attracted the writer's attention is still the wonder 
of the visitor. The walls are covered with marble cenotaphs, masoned 
into the walls, reading to the sailor about to go down to the sea the fate 
of the whalemen who have gone before him. Delightful inducements to 
embark, fine chance for promotion, it seems, for a stove boat will make 
him more immortal by brevet. Yes, there is death in this business of 
whaling — a speechlessly quick chaotic bundling of a man into eternity. 
The tablets were often placed in the walls by the shipmates of the sailors 
lost at sea. Occasionally they were provided by a mother, wife or sister. 
Some of them bear weeping willows ; others, more appropriately, ships ; 
and nearly all are bordered by heavy black frames. Here is a sample 
cenotaph : 

In the Memory of 
CAPT. WM. SWAIN, 
Associate Master of the 



44 NEW BEDFORD 

Christopher Mitchell of Nantucket. 

This worthy man, after fastening to a whale, was carried overboard by 

the line and drowned. 

May 19th, 1844, in the 49th year of his age. 

"Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the son of man 

Cometh." 

There is one which tells of the tragic death of Charles Petty, who 
was bitten by a shark while bathing near the ship, and died in nine hours. 
He was buried by his shipmates on the Island of De Loss, near the coast 
of Africa. Some of the tablets are inscribed with a verse, like this one — 
of one who fell from aloft and was drowned : 

The sea curls over him and the foaming billow 
As his head now rests upon a watery pillow, 
But the spirit divine has ascended to rest, 
To mingle with those who are ransomed and blest 

The officers and crew of the "Emily Morgan" have erected a stone 
to the memory of Lewis Ayshire, and this verse is engraved on the tablet : 

The ship's bell — deep-toned moaning sound — 

Boomed o'er the quiet air. 
To call the crew in the sadness round 

To attend the funeral prayer. 
In his coral grave he's left to rest. 

With no urn or willow tree; 
His tablet is in the sailor's breast, 

This token of which you see. 

The following inscription on a tablet shows how generally the men 

in a family followed the sea in the old days, and how often they were 

bereaved : 

To the Memory of 

WILLIAM S. JAY, 

Chief mate of bark Gov, Carver, who died on board at sea, Feb. 7, 1863. 
Aged 29 years. 

Also his Uncles, 

GILBERT JAY, 

Of the ship Peru of Nantucket, was lost from a boat while in pursuit of 

a whale, 1822, aged 27 years ; 

FRANKLIN JAY, 

Mate of ship Pioneer, was lost from his boat while in pursuit of a whale, 
Nov. 22, 1832, aged 19 years; 

WILLIAM H. SWASEY, 

Of schooner T. Cash of Fairhaven, Conn., was lost at sea with all her 
crew, April, 1850, aged 39 years. 

Melville's reflections upon these tablets will serve to-day. "Oh ! ye 
whose dead lie buried beneath the green grass ; who standing among the 



NEW BEDFORD 45 

flowers can say, 'Here, here lies my beloved ; ye know not the desolation 
that broods in bosoms like these. What bitter blanks in those black- 
bordered marbles which cover no ashes! What despair in those immov- 
able inscriptions! What deadly voids and unbidden infidelities in the 
lines which seem to gnaw upon all faith and refuse resurrections to the 
beings who have placelessly perished without a grave. As well might 
these tablets stand in the grave of elephants as here. But Faith, like a 
jackal, feeds among the tombs, and even from these dead doubts she 
gathers her most vital hope'." 

The chaplain whom Melville heard undoubtedly was Father Mudge. 
The author calls him Father Mapple in the book. The old pulpit was 
furnished with a side ladder and man ropes, which Melville affirms the 
chaplain mounted hand over hand, with reverential dexterity, as if 
ascending to the main top of his vessel. After gaining the height he 
stooped over and drew the ladder, leaving him impregnable. The paneled 
front of that old pulpit was in the likeness of a ship's bluff bows, and the 
Bible rested on a projecting piece of scroll-work fashioned after a ship's 
fiddle-headed beak. The service had a nautical flavor which has now 
departed. The present chaplain is a faithful worker among the sailors, 
but he would not be expected to instruct his congregation to gather 
about him in the vernacular which Melville attributes to Father Mapple: 
"Starboard gangway there ! Side away to starboard— larboard gangway 
to starboard! Midships." The sermon on Jonah reported in the book 
is declared by those who remember Father Mudge not to bear much 
resemblence to his style. It is probably the sermon which Melville con- 
sidered should have been preached to sailor folk. 



^^i^^^ 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Whaling Disasters. — An Old Ship. 

When the Civil War broke out much of the wealth tied up in whalers 
was afloat on various seas. Twenty-five New Bedford whalers, with 
2742 barrels sperm and 4150 barrels whale oil, were burned by Confed- 
erate cruisers. The value of the "Alabama" and "Shenandoah" vessels 
destroyed is given at $1,150,000, of the oil at $500,000, making a total of 
$1,650,000. This was a crushing blow to the citizens, because it was a 
climax to a series of events which made the people of New Bedford 
apprehensive of the future. 

The whaling industry was doomed by the discovery of petroleum, 
and the citizens knew it. The business men had made an attempt to 
stem the tide by forming an association to extend the uses of sperm oil 
and persist in its superiority, but they realized the hopelessness of the 
undertaking. 

On Thanksgiving Day, less than a year before, the citizens had seen 
"The Stone Fleet," two proud squadrons, the pick of the whalers, sail 
forth to be sunk at the mouth of southern harbors. It was as if the 
cotton mills which line the shore to-day were one day loaded aboard 
scows and carried to sea to be sunk. It was visible evidence of the 
destruction of the most unique industry which ever created the wealth 
of a city. And, following upon such a catastrophe, came the news that 
the few surviving whaleships on the seas were being picked off one by 
one, burned with their cargoes, and the officers and crews made pris- 
oners. And the war was upon the land to add to the encircling gloom. 

The news which created such a sensation fifty years ago came from 
a group of officers and men who had been paroled aboard the "Alabama" 
put aboard a passing ship and landed in New York. One or two of the 
owners were wise in their generation and had secured insurance a few 
days before. The owners of the bark "Virginia," for instance. Captain 
Frederick Tilton, which was valued at $24,000, took out insurance for 
$11,500 at noon of the very day on which the news was received. The 
owners of the bark "Elisha Dunbar," Captain David R. Gifford, took 
out insurance upon her for $4,250 only two days before ; her value was 
$21,250. 

Captain Tilton told a story which shows that the sending of the 
stone fleet from New Bedford was a matter of resentment to the priva- 
teers and blockade runners, whom the closing of the southern harbor 
channels was designed to annoy. When taken aboard the "Alabama," 
Captain Tilton asked to be released, as he was doing no one harm. "You 
Northerners are destroying our property," retorted Captain Semmes, 



NEW BEDFORD 47 

"and New Bedford people are holding war meetings offering $200 bounty 
for volunteers, and sending out stone fleet to blockade our harbors, and 
I am going to retaliate." Captain Tilton described the personal appear- 
ance of Captain Semmes in an interesting way. "He does everything in 
white kid gloves," he said, "and wears a heavy mustache, which he has 
waxed by his servant every morning." Captain Tilton told his fellow- 
citizens that Captain Semmes said he had burned the "Osceola" and nine 
other whalers before taking the "Virginia." Semmes, according to Cap- 
tain Tilton, was very short in his remarks, and quick tempered, treating 
the prisoners brutally and unfeelingly. The under officers were of dif- 
ferent dispositions, and some of them confessed to Captain Tilton they 
wished they were out of the business. Captain Tilton related the story 
of his capture as follows : 

The pirate ship overtook us in lat. 39-100, long. 34-20. She first 
showed British colors, but when a quarter of a mile from the "Virginia" 
she set Confederate colors and sent an armed boat's crew aboard. I was 
informed the vessel was a prize to the "Alabama," and ordered to take 
my papers and go aboard the steamer. The pirates then stripped the 
ship of all valuable articles, and at 4 p. m. set fire to her. I went on the 
quarterdeck of the "Alabama" with my son, when they sent us into the 
lee waist with the crew. All were ironed except two boys, the cook and 
Hhe steward. I asked if I was to be ironed, and the reply was that the 
vessel's purser had been in irons aboard the United States vessel and his 
head shaved. He proposed to retaliate. We were put in the lee waist 
with an old mattress and a few blankets upon which to lie. The steam- 
er's guns were run out the side and the ports could not be shut. So 
when the sea was rough and the vessel rolled the water washed the decks 
and we were wet all of the time. Often we would wake at night with a 
sea pouring over us. Our food consisted of beef, pork, rice, ham, tea, 
coffee and bread. Only one of our irons was taken off at a time. We 
were always under guard. On October 3d we fell in with the schooner 
"Emily Farnham," to which we were transferred after signing a parole. 

Many years after, another generation, in many instances, received 
a windfall from the payment of the "Alabama" claims. There were 
many survivors also living who profited at a time when they were in 
need of money, and, as it turned out, the men were amply compensated 
for all they lost and suffered. The testimony before the Court of Claims 
is a marvel in the revelations of the outfits which the sailors carried in 
their chests. Captain Semmes may have been a dandy, but the humblest 
sailor could have put him in the shade, as far as clothes were concerned, 
if the schedule of the outfits as sworn to at court were honest. 

Another terrible disaster followed in September, 1871, when one 
day thirty-three New Bedford ships, crushed or frozen, were abandoned 
in the Arctic ocean. Twelve hundred men were there shipwrecked, but 
all of them were ultimately rescued. With the oil and bone which the 



48 NEW BEDFORD 

ships had on board they were valued at $1,090,000. In 1876 twelve 
whalers were abandoned in the Arctic, and in 1888 five more were lost. 
Steam whaling prospered for a time, whalebone selling at fancy 
prices, but there is no longer a market for whalebone. A group of men 
cornered all the whalebone in the country and shipped it to New Bedford, 
which is the world's market place for Arctic bone, and held it at five 
dollars a pound. They held it. The use of whalebone had finally become 
restricted to corset manufacture and to some extent in dresses. In the 
old days when whalebone was cheap and hoopskirts were in vogue it 
was commonly used in the latter, as well as in dresses and stays and cor- 
sets. Whips were made of it, and it was used for umbrella frames. Steel 
was employed later as a substitute for most of these uses, but for a long 
time after the wider utility had disappeared it was employed by the best 
corset and dressmakers, and there was a large market abroad, particu- 
larly in France. But when the price was put up to five dollars a pound 
the corsetmakers declared it prohibitive and turned to substitutes. Now 
"bones" for corsets and dresses are made of a celluloid substance which is 
said to be quite as good, if not superior. The whalemen blame "the 
Trust" for the ruin of the industry, but while the high price may have 
hastened the day of substitutes the substitutes would have been produced 
in any event. Moreover, the owners of the whalebone supply declare 
that in order to make any profit bone must command five dollars a pound. 
This does not represent cost, they say, if the risks of the business and the 
loss of vessels engaged in the Arctic industry are considered. Arctic 
whaling scarcely gave the owner of the ship a gambler's chance. A ship 
might encounter one closed season after another when the ships could 
not get to the eastward, and vessels were so frequently caught and 
crushed in the ice floes that the industry as a whole was seldom profit- 
able. Still there was always the chance that a vessel might make a catch 
worth a hundred thousand dollars in a summer's work, and this was 
sufficient incentive for the daring whalemen. 

Whalebone requires constant attention. It must be scraped every 
few months or it loses its virtue. So the value of it constantly deteri- 
orates, and that is one reason, maybe, why "the Trust" finds it difficult to 
dispose of its bone. "The Trust" does not send ships into the Arctic 
now. The few vessels that go are largely old vessels, bought cheap by old 
whaling captains, who finance their own voyages. The opportunities for 
trading kept the industry alive longer than otherwise, but the natives 
prefer to trade for rum, and the revenue cutters prevent the whalers 
from engaging in trade on that basis. So most of the Eskimo trade 
now goes to the shore traders, who are under less close surveillance. 

Since the great war, prices of sperm oil have gone up and a fleet of 
schooners is making handsome profits on Atlantic voyages. These are 
short voyages of a duration of a year or two. In the old days voyages 



NEW BEDFORD 49 

usually lasted four or five years, which gives point to an old whaleman's 
story : A New Bedford captain had spent a jolly night with his com- 
panions, and at daylight started to go aboard his ship. One of his com- 
panions grabbed him by the arm as he was about to leave the dock in a 
small boat. "I say, captain, you've forgotten to kiss your wife good- 
bye." "Hell!" said the captain, "I'm only going to be gone two years!" 

A few of the old ships are still engaged. The whaling bark "Charles 
W. Morgan" is receiving especial consideration in these days, since she 
is the only typical old whaling square-rigger in port, and there will never 
be any more of them. One or two remnants of the fleet are at sea, and 
put in an occasional appearance here, but none are so picturesque and 
typical of old whaling models as the "Morgan." The "Morgan" is 
seventy-four years old, and is still in commission. She was built in 
1841 by the man for whom she was named. Her first captain was named 
Norton, and she sailed September 4, 1841, and arrived back April i, 1845, 
with 1600 barrels of sperm oil, 800 barrels of whale oil, and 10,000 pounds 
of whale bone. She sailed again on January 10, 1845, under command of 
Captain J. D. Sampson, and returned December 9. 1848, with 2100 barrels 
of sperm oil and 100 barrels of whale oil, having sent home seventy 
barrels of sperm oil. Her ownership was then transferred to Edward 
Mott Robinson, the father of Hetty Green. Captain Sampson still com- 
manded her on a voyage to the Pacific, which started on June 5, 1849. 
In May, 1853, she returned with 1121 barrels of oil. The firm of I. How- 
land, Jr., & Company owned her when she sailed the following Septem- 
ber for the North Pacific in command of Captain Tristam P. Ripley. She 
returned in 1856 with 12,000 pounds of whalebone, having sent home 
10,000 pounds of bone, 1958 barrels of whale oil and 268 barrels of sperm. 
Captain Thomas J. Fisher commanded her in 1856, when she again sailed 
for the North Pacific, returning three years later with 28,700 pounds of 
whalebone, 18,000 barrels of whale oil, and 135 barrels of sperm. Next 
she sailed on a four years' voyage in command of James A. Hamilton, 
returning from the North Pacific in 1863 with 28,834 pounds of whale- 
bone, 4080 barrels of whale oil, and 135 barrels of sperm. In December, 
1863, the "Morgan" came into the ownership of J. & W. R. Wing. Cap- 
tain Thomas C. Landers took her to the North Pacific and she returned 
four years later with 13,200 pounds of bone and 1094 barrels of whale 
oil. Her seventh voyage was to the North Pacific, once more in com- 
mand of Captain George Athearn, when she took 3000 pounds of bone ; 
and in 1871 she went to the Indian ocean in command of Captain John M. 
Tinkham, and took 1600 pounds of bone. Last year she went to Desola- 
tion islands on a sea elephant expedition. The "Morgan" repeatedly 
rounded Cape Horn, but these experiences never weakened her, and she 
has continued making long voyages to the stormiest seas in her career. 

N B— 4 



CHAPTER IX. 
The Story of the Stone Fleet. 

"View of the Stone Fleet, which Sailed from New Bedford Harbor, 
Nov. i6, 1861," is the title of a colored lithograph which is found hang- 
ing on the walls of many New Bedford homes. But the old pictures are 
growing scarce as the old homes are broken up, and the rising genera- 
tion hardly knows the significance of the title. 

"What is the Stone Fleet?" is the common question asked by per- 
sons who see the picture and are attracted by the spectacle of a fleet of 
crowded ships. It is a diverting story in which New Bedford whaling 
ships, masters and sailors, playing an important part. 

In the latter part of the year 1861, soon after the outbreak of the 
rebellion, one of the chief annoyances to the Federal cause was the con- 
stant blockade running of southern ports. Let the navy of the north 
watch and guard those narrow channels as might be with the few service- 
able ships at command, the sharp and speedy blockade runners would slip 
through with stores for the southerners and exports for foreign lands. 

Some genius in the Navy Department finally evolved the plan of 
sending down a fleet of stone laden ships from the north, sinking them 
in the inlets, and thus closing the channels. The scheme was readily 
adopted, and upon Gustavus V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, 
was placed the burden of putting it into execution. Bids were invited, 
and a contract for furnishing ships and stone was awarded to a New 
York man, who in turn placed it with Richard H. Chappell, of the New 
Haven shipping firm of Williams, Haven & Company. Mr. Chappell 
was an old-time correspondent and friend of the local firm of I. H. Bart- 
lett & Sons, and with the extensive shipping of New Bedford in mind, 
he turned to them for assistance in raising the fleet. And thus it hap- 
pened that New Bedford became the rendezvous. Another reason was 
that New Bedford had just then experienced the blow of adversity which 
was surely but gradually to drive her shipping from the seas. The old 
whaleships were lying several tiers deep at the wharves, awaiting pur- 
chasers. There was no need for them in the waning industry, and rather 
than let them rot, their owners stood ready to sell. 

Mr. Chappell was under contract to furnish forty-five vessels to the 
United States Government. He sent agents up the coast, and this dis- 
trict was left to the Bartletts to look after. So it happened that New 
Bedford furnished twenty-four vessels of the number required. 

The work of assembling the fleet occupied two months, and the 
wharves were alive with gangs of workmen engaged in fitting the vessels 
for their final voyage. The Bartletts leased four wharves north of Union 



NEW BEDFORD 51 

street, and as fast as the ships were purchased they were berthed and pre- 
pared for their last mission. The vessels were sold as they returned from 
their last voyage, with all the whaling gear aboard. The activity of the 
agent in purchasing the vessels was a mystery at first, and the destina-, 
tion of the vessels aroused much speculation. The Bartletts bought all 
the vessels offered. 

Among the craft purchased was the "Margaret Scott," a vessel which 
had been seized a short time previously by a United States marshal on 
the grounds that she was being fitted for a voyage in slave trading. Her 
commander and owners were found guilty of the charge, and the "Scott'' 
was sold at auction by United States Marshal J. S. Keyes and acquired 
for the Stone Fleet. The old bark "Potomac" was so old and rotten that 
she was mere cement in places, yet she brought a good price because she 
was copper fastened ; and even after she was purchased the Bartletts 
were offered a bonus of $1,000 for their bargain. 

Some deals were made under unique conditions. For instance, in 
buying the ship "Francis Henrietta," Mr. Bartlett was one entire night 
dickering with her owners, and the deal was not closed until two o'clock 
the next morning. In the case of the "L. C. Richmond" and "Courier," 
Charles L. Wood asked Mr. Bartlett if he wanted any more vessels and 
that if he did he could have the two for $5,000 each. Mr. Bartlett said he 
would look the "Richmond" and "Courier" over and let Mr. Wood know 
after dinner. Right after dinner he went to Mr. Wood and said: "I will 
give you $4,000 each for the vessels." In two hours the ships had 
changed hands. The vessels purchased by the Messrs. Bartlett were as 
follows : 

Vessel. Owner. Price. 

Amazon, Fairhaven H. A. Church $3,670 

Valparaiso William Hathaway 5. 500 

Edward J. A. Beauvais 4,000 

Archer E. W. Howland 3.360 

Margaret Scott U. S. Marshal 4,000 

Herald E. W. Howland 4,000 

Courier O. & G. O. Crocker 4,000 

L. C. Richmond J. B' Wood & Co 4,000 

South America W. O. Brownell 3,600 

Potomac, Nantucket I. & P. Macy 3. 500 

Majestic S. Thomas & Co 3.150 

Kensington D. B. Kempton 4,000 

Rebecca Simms, Fairhaven . . . Jenney & Tripp 4,000 

Harvest S. A. Mitchell 4,000 

Leonidas R. Maxfield 3.050 

Maria Theresa T. Nye, Jr 4,000 

India B. F. Howland 5.250 

American, Edgartown John Baylies 3.370 

William Lee, Newport P. G. Monroe 4,200 



52 NEW BEDFORD 

Mechanic O. Reed 4,200 

America I. Howland, Jr., & Co 5.250 

Garland Rodney French 3.15° 

Cossack C. Hitch & Son 3,200 

Frances Henrietta Wm. G. Pope 4,000 

The preparation of the ships was under the supervision of the Bart- 
letts. Captain Rodolphus N. Swift was the general agent, and Captain 
James B. Wood and Fred A. Stall were assistant agents. The wharves 
were alive with gangs of workmen. About 7500 tons of stone was finally 
required for ballast and to ensure a ready sinking of the vessels. 

New Bedford wharves had seen some activity, but not such a con- 
tinuous stir and bustle as ensued for six or eight weeks. As finally fitted 
each ship had only accommodations to furnish reasonable passage to the 
officers and crews to the rendezvous, only enough sails to get them there 
safely and expeditiously, no chronometers, and only one anchor and 
chain. All the gear purchased and not actually needed for the expedition 
was piled up in open squares and on the wharves, and later sold at auc- 
tion. Many were the bargains secured by local whaling men. 

As fast as each ship was emptied, she was fitted for convenient scut- 
tling. About two inches above the light water line a two inch hole was 
bored in the counter, running completely through the side of the vessel. 
Into this from each side was inserted a plug turning to a loose fit and 
provided with a flange head sufficiently large to close the opening. These 
two plugs were bolted together by a bolt passing through the centre, 
held by a head on the outside and by wrench nut on the inside. At the 
proper time the nuts were unscrewed by the wrench made on them, the 
bolt knocked out and the two plugs were allowed to fall out and let the 
water pour in. 

James Duddy furnished the stone for filling the ships. He started 
into the country, and soon had all the farmers tearing down walls and 
loading stone on drays. 

When the fleet was ready for the expedition the crews were shipped 
at this port, just enough men being engaged to handle the vessels. For 
the most part old whaling captains were booked as commanders of the 
ships. There was just enough adventure in the enterprise to lend attrac- 
tiveness to it. 

By November 15, 1861, the Stone Fleet was at anchor in the lower 
harbor with the crews on board. The captains of the vessels reported 
each morning to the agent. At seven o'clock on Wednesday morning, 
November 20, sealed instructions were received by Commodore Rodney 
French with orders to proceed to sea. The first fleet consisted of the 
following vessels: Barks "Garland," Commodore Rodney French, 243 
tons; "Harvest," Captain W. W. Taylor, 400 tons; "Leonidas," Captain 



NEW BEDFORD 53 

Joseph W. Howland, 200 tons ; "Amazon," Captain J. F. Swift, 336 tons ; 
"Cossack," Captain John D. Childs, 350 tons ; "Frances Henrietta," Cap- 
tain Michael Comisky, 381 tons; "Herald," Captain A. H. Gifford, 346 
tons. Ships: "Maria Theresa," Captain F. S. Bailey, 425 tons; "Archer," 
Captain William Worth, 380 tons ; "South America," Captain David G. 
Chadwick, 550 tons ; "Courier," Captain Shubael F. Brayton, 350 tons ; 
"Kensington," Captain B. F. Tilton, 350 tons; "Potomac," Captain 
Thomas Brown, 350 tons; "L. C. Richmond," Captain Martin Mallory, 
306 tons; "Rebecca Simms," Captain J. M. Willis, 425 tons; "American," 
Captain W. A. Beard, 400 tons. 

The signal gun was fired, anchors weighed, and the fleet passed 
down into the bay. The garrison at Fort Taber saluted with thirty-four 
guns and the fleet replied. Clarks Point was crowded with citizens, who 
sped the parting fleet with cheers and waving handkerchiefs. The patri- 
otic keeper of Dumpling light house fired a signal gun. The revenue 
cutter "Varina," with a large company on board, escorted the fleet out 
of the bay. At ten o'clock Pilot William O. Russell was discharged, and 
the vessels under full sail headed for the south. The sealed instructions 
were opened on the 21st and it was found the fleet was ordered to Savan- 
nah, and report to the commodore of the blockade squadron. 

Captain J. M. Willis was the last surviving captain of the Stone 
Fleet. Over eighty years old. Captain Willis had a retentive memory and 
the incidents of the trip to the south in the ships of the fleet were remem- 
bered by him with vividness. Captain Willis was commander of the 
Fairhaven ship, "Rebecca Simms." In company with the other ships she 
mad? a successful short voyage down the coast, ultimately arriving at 
her destination without accident. The "Simms" was one of the fastest 
vessels in the fleet and she had the distinction of getting to Savannah 
first, and was the first of the Stone Fleet to be taken across the bar. Cap- 
tain ^ /illis kept a log of the trip and in it is told that only two or three 
days of bad weather were encountered. Said Captain Willis : 

When all preparations were made for the start we decided on Rod- 
ney French for commodore of the fleet. Rodney, who was afterwards 
mayor of New Bedford, was a pretty good fellow, told a good story and 
was generally liked by the rest of the captains. There was only one of 
the : asters who thought Rodney was not the man for the position. This 
was Captain William Worth, of Nantucket. Captain Worth had been on 
a man-of-warsman,and I supposed that he thought this should have made 
him commodore, but Rodney was good enough for us. We used to report 
on board the "flagship," the "Garland," every day as long as we laid in the 
harbor here waiting to sail. There was a great joke on the commodore 
at the time. When we started the commodore wanted to follow the coast 
down south. Immediately there were objections on the part of almost 
every captain. We were not coasters and didn't want to get in too near 
the coast. The commodore on getting under way told us we were to 



54 NEW BEDFORD 

shape our course for Long Island. But the majority of us wouldn't con- 
sent to any such thing. We had sailed out of New Bedford many times 
and had never done such a thing before. We split tacks on getting down 
the bay and by night the commodore was well in the rear. At dark the 
"Simms," "L. C. Richmond" and "Kensington" were well ahead of the 
other vessels. The joke on the commodore was that the "Garland" did 
not get to Savannah until all the other ships of the Stone Fleet had 
arrived, the "Garland" being six days behind the "Simms." 

When the "Garland" came to anchor Commodore Rodney fired a 
salute. He had taken a big spar and had some of his crew rig it to look 
like a gun, and ran it out forward of his gangway. When the command- 
ing officer of the fleet heard the report he began an investigation, and 
sent a boat aboard the "Garland" to see what she was doing with that 
big gun. He found that Commodore French had lashed a small cannon 
on his big spar, and when he reported the circumstance to the command- 
ing officer the latter passed it off with a smile, as he was fond of a joke. 
Old Rodney was easy enough spotted as the ship that had fired the gun, 
for when he came into anchor he had all his pennants flying from top- 
mast head to deck. There used to be a story that when the commanding 
officer asked Old Rodney who had fired that gun that Rodney replied, 
"The commodore of the Stone Fleet," whereupon the commanding officer 
told French that he knew of but one commodore in those waters, and 
that was Dupont, and to haul in his colors and never fire the gun again, 
but I guess that story grew from the original version as I told you at 
first. 

I have often thought that we men of the Stone Fleet deserved a 
pension, for I never realized the danger we were in until the trip was all 
over. The danger came from the way the stone was stowed on board, 
with only boards forward. Had we encountered any kind of rough 
weather the stones would have broken the boards and the cargo shifted, 
and there is no knowing what would have become of the ships that this 
happened to. But it didn't occur. 

In going down I frequently saw the ships, "L. C. Richmond" and 
"Maria Theresa," and the day I arrived off Savannah bar, December 4, 
the "Theresa" and "Phoenix," the latter a New London ship, were in 
company with me. I passed the frigate "St. Lawrence," lying at anchor 
off Port Royal, and at 4:30 dropped anchor under foot off Savannah bar. 
We were used to anchoring most anywhere in the world, and asking the 
mate if he could furl the sails I lowered a boat and started in to report my 
ship to the commanding officer. Captain Mallory, of the "L. C. Rich- 
mond," wanted to go in with me, so we took three men each and started 
in over the bar. We met a gunboat, the "Seneca," coming out, and her 
commander hailed us and wanted to know who we were. "The 'Rebecca 
Simms' and 'L. C. Richmond,' loaded with stone to the commanding 
officer off Savannah," I answered. "Want to go in?" he asked, and I told 
him, "Yes." 

The commander of the "Seneca" turned to a man at his side, who 
turned out to be the pilot, and asked him if he could take us in that night. 
"How long will it take to get sail on your vessel?" asked the pilot. 
"Three minutes if you will give me men enough," I answered. 

The men were sent out to us and we got underway, and went in over 



NEW BEDFORD 55 

the bar. The wind leaving us, we had to anchor just inside the entrance 
of the harbor. 

The next morning at seven o'clock I reported to the captain of the 
frigate "Savannah." I found him sick, and talked with him as he lay in 
his cot. He wanted to know who we were, and I told him, and that we 
had stone. He sent word to Commodore Dupont, and at the same time 
gave me an opportunity to write home, which I did, but neglected to 
state where I was, and when the letter got home it was still thought that 
our objective point was a secret. 

Well, we were down there about a week. The same day I went on 
board the frigate ten of the fleet arrived. Seven of them came in over 
the bar. Several struck bottom and three were outside with their colors 
in the rigging or at half mast, and a gunboat went to their assistance. 
The "Meteor" of New London parted her chain and went on the bar. 
The "Lewis of New London ran on the reef and was lost. That after- 
noon I landed on Tybee island and for the first time set my foot on seces- 
sion soil. On December 6th the bark "Phoenix" of New London was 
beached on Tybee island to make a wharf for landing troops. The "Robin 
Hood" of New London and the "Potomac" of Nantucket arrived that 
afternoon, and the "South America" came in during the day. 

During the next few days the crews of the ships saw some of the 
naval life at the place. They saw the gunboat "Seneca" capture a large 
English bark loaded with cannon, ammunition, blankets, etc. We assisted 
in landing 800 troops. The whaleboats came in handy and the crews 
were glad to do the work. The bark "Peter Denile" of New York, and 
the "South America" of our fleet, were beached to make a wharf. We 
were ordered to Port Royal, and on December 9th the gunboat "Poca- 
hontas" towed us outside the bar and we anchored. We were still 
anchored next day when the "Harvest," "Amazon" and "Garland" arrived 
from New Bedford. 

On December 12th the vessels of the Stone Fleet, with the exception 
of two, the "Potomac" and "Cossack," were safe in port and in company 
with Rodney French, of the "Garland," I went on board the frigate 
"Wabash" and reported to Commodore Dupont. I never met a more 
gentlemanly or a more noble man in my life. We found the commodore 
a very social man. He invited us to a social chat and when we left 
invited us to call again. He said he had nothing to do in ordering our 
fleet, and hardly knew what to do with us. We were at Port R.oyal a 
week, and I enjoyed my stay there very much. I met my sister's hus- 
band, Captain John Ewer, then acting master on board frigate "Sabine," 
and his son, Wallace Ewer, acting master on steam frigate "Mohigan." 
I visited the latter several times and in his company and with the pay- 
master rode across Port Royal island to a soldiers' encampment. We 
had a horseback ride at Uncle Sam's expense. We lunched on our way 
on oysters taken from the water and prepared by a negro. 

On December 17th we were ordered to sail for Charleston, and 
arrived off the bar in company with seven ships on the 19th and anchored. 
Later in the day we had orders to close in and the next day all the fleet 
had arrived and that night eight of the ships had been sunk after unbend- 
ing sails, which were delivered on board the "Robin Hood." The rest of 
the fleet were sunk later. We all anchored at high water and there was 
only two or three feet of water under us at the time. We were placed in 



56 NEW BEDFORD 

position under direction of George H. Bradbury, flag officer on board 
frigate "Wabash." It was just 9:45 when I drove out the plug below the 
water line in the "Simms" and then with my crew went on board the 
steamer "Cahawber." I was ordered back to cut away my masts and at 
II :30 they were overboard. I was the only captain of the fleet that had 
this distinction, in all other cases the crews of the warships doing the 
work. 

The plan for closing the harbor was to place the obstructions on 
both sides of the crest of the bar, so that the same forces which created 
the bar might be relied upon to keep them in their places ; also, to place 
the vessels checkerwise, and at the same distance from each other, so as 
to create an artificial unevenness of bottom, resembling Woods Hole. 
This unevenness would give rise to eddies, counter currents and whirl- 
pools, thus making navigation extremely dangerous. The placing of the 
vessels in the desired positions proved a difficult undertaking, but they 
were all sunk by ten o'clock or were sinking. None disappeared wholly 
from sight. Some were on their beams end, some down by the head, 
others by the stern, and masts, spars and rigging of the thickly crowded 
ships were mingled and tangled in great confusion. For an hour or two 
the falling spars as they were cut away made great splashings, as one 
after another of the ships became mere hulks upon the water. The 
vessels sunk were the "Amazon," "America," "American," "Archer," 
"Courier," "Herald," "Kensington," "Leonidas," "Maria Theresa," "Po- 
tomac," "Rebecca Simms," "L. C. Richmond" and "William Lee," all 
belonging to New Bedford, and the "Fortune" and "Leonidas" of New 
London. The remaining vessels, excepting the "Harvest" and "Val- 
paraiso," which were retained at Port Royal as store ships, were disposed 
of at various points, a number of them being used for store ships and 
temporary wharves. 

The next day all the crews of the Stone Fleet were on board steamer 
"Cahawber," and in the middle of the day a fire was started on the ship 
"Robin Hood," which was literally filled with the sails from all the ves- 
sels of the Stone Fleet. It was hoped to give the southerners a grand 
sight of a bonfire of the remains of the Stone Fleet, but the "Robin 
Hood" did not burn very fiercely, and there was more smoke than flames. 
We laid at anchor for several days before starting for the north, and on 
the 27th went up to Beaufort, where we roamed about the deserted town. 
I remember going into the houses and finding everj-thing as the families 
had left them, children's playthings, and it made even a northerner feel 
sad. On the day after we went up to Beaufort. We were transferred to 
the steamer "Empire State," and on the 28th sailed north. We landed 
in New York, December 31st, and as there was no boat for Fall River 
that night we had a good time in the city until the following night, and 
on January 2d arrived back home in New Bedford. 

Captain Willis recalls that all the vessels but one allowed the men 
to work as little as possible, but the exception made some talk at the 
time among the crews. The idea of going to sea, and not having the 
ship's deck scrubbed was too much for the idea of sea duty of Captain 
Worth, of the "Archer," so he had his crew break up some of the stone 
cargo and scrub the decks of the ship. The decks had been filled with tar 



NEW BEDFORD 57 

and pitch to stand the trip and had not been smoothed down as if the 
vessel was going on a voyage, but in the week the "Archer" was going 
down the coast the crew were made to poHsh the deck and by the time 
Savannah bar was reached the deck was smooth. The men had only the 
regular allowance of food, although all the ships were well provisioned 
for the trip, and a quantity of stores had to be thrown away before the 
ships were sunk. It is recalled of Captain Worth that there was a par- 
ticularly fine whole ham on board the "Archer" that had not been cut and 
Captain Worth could not bear to see this wasted, so he placed it in a 
traveling bag, and carried it back to Nantucket with him. It is said that 
the crews of one or two of the ships lived so well they got short of provi- 
sions. Not a thing was taken out of the ships when they were scuttled. 

The second fleet of New Bedford vessels sailed December 9th and 
comprised the following: Ships "America," Captain B. Chase; "William 
Lee," Captain Horace A. Lake ; barks "India," Captain Avery F. Parker ; 
"Mechanic," Captain Archibald Baker, Jr. ; "Valparaiso," Captain Wil- 
liam Wood ; "Margaret Scott," Captain Henry F. Tobey ; "Majestic," 
Captain Joseph Dimmick. This fleet joined the other vessels before the 
fleet was finally sunk. 

It is told that one of the New London ships never reached her desti- 
nation, but finally brought up in Provincetown harbor. 




CHAPTER X. 

The Arctic Disaster of 1871. 

The loss of thirty-two New Bedford whaleships in the Arctic in the 
season of 1871 was a terrific blow to the industry, and to the fortunes of 
owners. The story is that told by William F. Williams, of this city, who 
is now engineer to the State Highway Commission. Mr. Williams sailed 
on his father's vessel as a youth. He says : 

It is now more than forty-five years since the fleet of thirty-two 
whaleships was abandoned in the Arctic ocean, a lapse of time in which 
many of its leading participants have cleared for their Last Voyage, and 
in which the event itself has become little more than a memory even in 
the city of New Bedford, the home of its greatest sufferers. 

We returned to Honolulu in the bark "Josephine" from the season of 
1870, and on November 24, 1870, we sailed again in the bark "Monticello" 
of New London for a cruise in the South Pacific and the Arctic ocean, 
the first part of the voyage being commonly known as the "between 
season cruise," and so arranged that we would reach the Arctic ocean 
by the time the ice had past out, the object being sperm whaling and the 
"breaking in" of the crew. The time at my disposal this evening will 
not permit me to go into the details of the cruise in the South Pacific, 
although it abounded in interesting experiences. 

Our last port of entry was Yokohoma, from which we sailed on the 
loth of April, 1871, and laid our course direct for the Behring sea. I 
do not recall ever having any lonesome or long days in my experience 
on a whaler, but if there were any dull days it was when "making a pas- 
sage." Then more sail is carried and whales are seldom seen ; but on 
these trips I had to devote more time to my studies, which I kept up all 
the time I was at sea, so that when more interesting events were taking 
place I could have a holiday. In the early part of May we entered the 
Behring sea well over toward the Asia side, and made the ice near Cape 
Thaddeus. We were in this ice nearly two months, and no time was 
our progress fast, and some days we actually lost ground. During this 
time the view as far as the eye could see was one expanse of snow-cov- 
ered ice, broken here and there by narrow leads and small areas of clear 
water. Unless blowing very fresh there were none of the usual sea 
motions to the ship, which was not an unpleasant relief from the cease- 
less rolling and pitching which prevails while at sea. 

I also recall that it marked the cessation of the daily working out of 
sights for latitude and longitude, which was a relief to me, as I had been 
obliged to learn this part of ship duty. Most of the time one or more 
ships was in sight, and frequently close enough for visits to be made and 
return across the ice. I was barred from making these trips as they were 
always more or less dangerous from the constant shifting of the ice open- 
ing up lanes of clear water, often requiring long detours to cover a very 
short distance in a direct line. Sail was kept upon the ship whenever 
the direction of the wind and the condition of the ice permitted of any 
headway whatever. A constant lookout was kept for whales, for it is the 



NEW BEDFORD 59 

habit of the "bowhead" to leave the Arctic ocean for the Behring sea 
the last thing in the fall, and to return as early in the spring as the condi- 
tion of the ice would permit. Of course it is seldom that the boat can be 
lowered, but bomb guns and "irons" are kept at hand, and if a whale 
came up in any of the clear water spaces near the ship there would be a 
wild rush by everybody to get a shot at it. Sometimes when the ship 
was not under sail, men were kept on the ice at these openings and it 
was not an uncommon thing for whales to be captured in this manner, 
although more were lost than were saved. 

I will digress at this point to state that it is a singular fact that while 
the bowhead is classified as the "northern right whale," he is never 
spoken of as a "right whale" by a whaleman. There is a similarity between 
the bowhead and the right whale, yet they are very different in many 
respects. For instance, the bowhead has only been seen in the Okhotsk 
sea, Behring sea and the Arctic ocean, both on the Pacific and Greenland 
sides, never anywhere else. There is, however, a right whale which fre- 
quents the Behring sea on the American side, but is never seen in the 
Arctic ocean, and this whale is different in some ways from the right 
whale of the Japan sea and from the right whale of the Atlantic ocean 
and the South Pacific. The right whale of the Behring sea and of the 
Japan sea is a fighter, and the female never deserts her young in the face 
of danger. The bowhead is not a fighting whale, rarely ever doing any 
injury, intentionally at least, and the female always deserts her young 
on the first approach of danger. 

While the Behring sea ice is not as heavy as that met with in the 
Arctic ocean, it has substance enough to require considerable caution 
in the working of the ship through its various leads. This particular 
year the ice in the sea was unusually heavy, and several of the ships vvere 
injured. The bark "Oriole" was stove and became a total loss, furnish- 
ing one of the events of the season. This was in the latter part of June, 
and we had just got through the main body of the ice at a point near St. 
Lawrence island, south of Behring straits, when the "Oriole" was seen to 
set her colors union down. There were several other ships near, and all 
sent men to assist in pumping and finding the leak. The ship was finally 
taken into a harbor near by, on the Asia side, called by the whalemen 
Plover bay, to be ultimately abandoned as already stated. Shortly after 
this event we met the survivors of the bark "Japan," which was lost at 
Cape East, on the Asia shore, the last part of the season before. Eight 
of her crew had died, the rest passed the winter with the natives and had 
had a terrible experience, as they were not able to save any of the ship 
provisions and were obliged to live on the native food of blubber and 
walrus meat cooked with the hair on it. I remember how I was impressed 
by hearing Captain Barker tell that the last square meal he had before, 
excepting the native diet, was a few tallow candles which he picked up 
on the beach. I think that the experience of the crew of this ship had 
considerable bearing upon the decision of the captains later in the year 
to abandon their ships. 

We entered the Arctic ocean the latter part of June, but finding 
heavy ice well to the south and closely packed on the American side we 
went to "walrusing." Up to a few years previous the whalemen had not 
considered the walrus a foeman worthy of their steel, but some one had 
put in his spare time while waiting for the ice to move out, killing walrus 



6o NEW BEDFORD 

and converting their blubber into oil, to discover later that it was nearly 
if not quite as valuable as whale oil. That was the doom of the walrus. 
At that time the walrus was captured with the regular "toggle iron" or 
"harpoon" (by the way, whalemen never use the word "harpoon"). The 
length of the shank of the iron is reduced to save it from getting twisted 
out of shape by the efforts of the walrus to release themselves. Nearly 
all of the walrus were captured in the water, and when killed hauled out 
on the ice to be skinned. In this apparently cumbersome manner our 
four boats killed over 500 walrus in less than a month's time, the net 
results of which were about 300 barrels of oil. It was no uncommon 
occurrence to see thousands of walrus upon the ice within an area of 
easy vision, and as the sun never set during this period the hours of 
work were only limited by the physical capacity of the men, and that 
was tried to its utmost. I will add here that in the following years the 
Sharpe's rifle was substituted for the iron, and the walrus was shot while 
on the ice. It was not an unusual record for a "good shot" to kill a hun- 
dred walrus on one block of ice and without moving his position. They 
did not seem to mind the report of the gun or to notice the hunter as 
long as he kept quiet, but it was essential that the shots be instantly 
fatal, as a wounded walrus would soon drive his particular colony into 
the water. The vital spot is the brain, on top of the back part of the 
head, where the bone is thin and the skin tight. Body shots are rarely 
fatal. 

On one pleasant day I was permitted to go in the boat with the first 
mate, where I had my first near view of a live walrus. To make matters 
interesting the first walrus struck promptly drove his tusks through the 
side of the boat, tearing out a piece of plank large enough to have sunk 
us in a few minutes if the crew had not been used to such experiences. 
The walrus was promptly dispatched by a thrust of the lance, the boat 
pulled to the ice, hauled out, and a canvas patch tacked over the hole 
in about the time it takes to tell it. After enough walrus had been killed 
to make a boat load they were hauled on the ice, skinned, and the blubber 
packed in the boat, when we returned to the ship. While an old walrus 
will weigh over 2000 pounds, you are not properly impressed by their 
size even when they are in full view on the ice, because having no legs 
they are always apparently lying down. In the water their size is still 
more deceptive, as j'ou only see their head and a small part of their back. 
Their movements, too, are so clumsy that it is extremely funny to see 
them on the approach of a boat get ofif the ice, the females fairly shoving 
their young overboard in their anxiety to get them out of danger, and 
all bellowing and barking as though Bedlam had broken loose. At times 
the water around the boat was fairly alive with young and old walrus, 
but as no one else seemed alarmed I took it for granted that there was 
no danger, although at first my nerves got a few bad "jars," when upon 
hearing a terrific bellow at my back I would turn to find myself almost 
within arm's length of a rather vicious looking combination of a round 
head, wicked black eyes, and a pair of long drooping white ivory tusks, 
but I soon learned that he was the most frightened of the two and 
promptly escaped if possible, either by diving or swimming away from 
the boat. Now and then a female walrus separated from her young, or 
an old bull walrus slightly wounded, would make a rush for the boat, 
sometimes causing an accident to some member of the crew, although I 



NEW BEDFORD 6i 

do not recall any that were fatal. The boats, however, were frequently 
stove, so much so that it usually took about a week after the walrusing 
period was over to put them in proper repair. 

During the walrusing period the ship was constantly under way, 
most of the time in scattering ice, which, together with the presence of 
a number of other ships, made navigation very trying to the nerves, 
requiring as it did almost constant attention to the conning of the ship. 
Collisions with the ice were frequent, especially when the weather was 
foggy, and I must confess that I could never get used to the sensation 
produced by the ship striking a good sized ice floe, especially when, as 
was often the case, it was followed by the order to "try the pumps," 
which always gives you a few bad moments when }our breath doesn't 
seem to come just right, and your heart wants to come up and see what 
the trouble is all about, but the pumps suck, and with another addition 
to your regard for the "good old ship" you get back to your normal 
mental condition only to go through the same sensation the very next 
time the ship fetches up good and solid. Our most startling experience 
that season was on an occasion when it was blowing quite fresh and the 
ice had suddenly shifted. We were practically cut ofT from open water, 
except for a narrow passage between two very large floes of ice. Had 
the passage been straight, as at first it looked to be, we would have got 
through without striking, but the ship was going quite fast, so that when 
the exact situation was known we had no alternative except to try to 
make it. The ship struck first a glancing blow on the weather bow, 
which rolled her down almost to her lee plank shear, then shearing off 
she ran directly into the i\oe on the other side, which she struck with 
tremendous force, bringing her to a complete stop and throwing the 
watch below out of their berths. After a few heavy rolls she gathered 
headway and went through the passage. Of course we thought she was 
stove. The pumps were immediately rigged and men sent below into 
the fore peak to see if they could hear the water coming in, but they soon 
reported everything quiet and the pumps confirmed the report, but it was 
a narrow escape. 

By the last of July a strong northeast wind broke up the ice, which 
up to this time had hung close to the American shore, and we began to 
think seriously of whaling. The ice was still heavy and well to the south 
all across the ocean, so that it was impossible to get to the Herald island 
grounds, and as the whaling the year before had been around Point Bar- 
row, all the ships commenced to work to the northeast in the clear water 
between the ice and the American shore. 

The contest to be head ship was close and spirited. The right of 
way due to starboard tack was insisted upon fully as zealously, even to 
the limit of hairbreadth escapes from actual collision as ever seen in a cup 
race. Those old "square toes," with plenty of wind and a smooth sea, 
manned by crews every man of which by that time could qualify as an 
A. B., made a nautical picture rarely seen in even the great traveled 
highways of the ocean. Then again the tacking of a "square rigger" is 
rather an impressive evolution compared with tacking a fore and aft 
craft like a schooner, where you put the helm down, haul over the jib 
sheets, and it's all done. But the weather was fickle, the wind shifted to 
the west and the ice came in again, bringing the ships practically to a 
standstill, so that "gamming," which I need hardly tell you is the sailor's 



62 NEW BEDFORD 

term for visiting, was frequent, greatly to my joy. You see a "gam" 
meant much to me : for one thing, it brought a good dinner, whether I 
staid at home or went aboard the other ship, as the best the ships afforded 
was always brought out on these occasions. It meant also seeing new 
faces and'hearing the latest news from civilization, as many of the ships 
had not made the between .season cruise, but had come direct from Hono- 
lulu or 'Frisco. If you have never made a long voyage you can hardly 
appreciate the full force of this statement ; but most important of all it 
brought an opportunity to get new reading matter. It is the rule for 
the first mate of the ship that is being visited to return to the other ship 
with her captain's boat, but with his own crew, and I generally went 
with the mate. In this way I could exchange books, and in general have 
more liberty. In addition our mate was good-natured enough to fre- 
quently let me steer the boat and give the orders in leaving and approach- 
ing the ships. 

One of the incidents usually connected with "gamming," and which 
never lost its interesting excitement to me, although witnessed many 
times, was the operation of "speaking a ship," both being under sail at 
the time. The intention of a desire to speak was generally given by the 
ship in the windward position hoisting her ensign and "keeping oflf" for 
the ship she wishes to speak. The latter would then be "hauled-aback," 
/. <■., the helm is put hard down so as to bring the ship sharp on the wind, 
while the yards and sails on the mainmast are squared or "hauled-aback," 
the yards on the foremast are "braced forward," that is with the sails 
full and all the fore and aft sails also full. In this position the ship is 
nearly motionless, forging ahead a trifle. The speaking ship when 
directly to windward "keeps oflf" and heads for about amidships of the 
other ship, holding her course, until to the novice, especially if on the 
waiting ship, it seems as though a collision were absolutely unavoidable ; 
but just about this time the other ship shears a little, passing close by 
the stern of your ship, and the two captains exchange the compliments 
of the day. usually ending by one inviting the other aboard. The con- 
versation is also carried on without the aid of a trumpet, an omission 
which at first rather lowered the nautical character of the event in my 
estimation ; but I soon became reconciled to allowing the trumpet to 
depart, in company with a lot of other nautical fallacies which I had 
imbibed from the writings of Cooper and a few others. It is quite essen- 
tial that the speaking ship shall have an experienced man at the wheel 
during this evolution. Sometimes when it is blowing fresh, and on all 
shipsthat steer badly before the wind two men are put at the wheel, 
with an ofificer close at hand. Greenhands, upon their first experience at 
the wheel when speaking a ship, have been known to get so badly fright- 
ened that they either run away from the wheel or become physically 
incapable of executing the orders. 

During this time we were nearly constantly in sight of land in the 
vicinity of Cape Lisburne, which is a bold strongly defined landmark, 
the last of the high land on the American shore. From Cape Lisburne 
the land slopes to the north, becoming quite low and marshy, without 
trees or shrubs, and of an extremely uninteresting appearance, continu- 
ing this way to the north and east with slight variations for many miles. 
A line of sand bars extends parallel to the shore for some distance. Un- 
certainty as to the exact location of these shoals made navigation close 



NEW BEDFORD 63 

to the shore rather hazardous ; the charts in use at this time were very- 
deficient in exact information, which obliged the captains to trust largely 
to their personal knowledge and the lead line. It is also a rather peculiar 
fact that there are no regular tides on this coast, although a sudden 
change in the direction of the wind oftentimes produces a temporary 
rise and fall of the level of the sea. The compass is also very uncertain, 
particularly in thick weather. I have often seen the ship tack and the 
compass remain stationary, but by a vigorous shaking of the compass 
the needle would finally respond to a change in direction. 

I have already remarked that the bowhead is not a fighter, but I do 
not want you to infer from this statement that there is no risk involved 
in their capture. For, like everything connected with the sea, y^ou pass 
so quickly from comedy to tragedy to comedy that you never are safe in 
trying to limit the possible dangers in the capture of a whale, as a few 
incidents will illustrate. One of the whales taken by our boats at this 
time accidentally got into close contact with the boat and proceeded liter- 
ally to spank it, bringing its great flukes down on top of the boat several 
times. From the ship it looked very bad for the crew and the boat, but 
aside from a broken oar or two no real damage was done to either, and 
the whale was killed. Of course the crew hugged the bottom pretty 
close, but the real secret of their escape was the fact that the whale was 
not vicious. If it had been a right whale or a sperm whale there would 
not have been enough of the boat left to pay to save, and probably some 
of the crew would have been killed. Another time my father's boat was 
fast to a whale who was running for the heavy ice, when by a sudden 
swerve in his course he ran the boat over a small cake of ice, capsizing 
the boat and running off with the line. Before we on shipboard could 
hardly realize what had happened the boat's crew were all sitting astride 
the keel of the boat. Fortunately the line did not catch on anything, 
and what might have been a tragedy became a farce, and one that for 
some time it was not good judgment to discuss within the hearing of my 
father. 

Now just a few words about the unwritten law of the right of chase 
as recognized by whalemen, because it may have occurred to you that a 
few whales among so many ships, each carrying from four to five boats, 
might produce a badly mixed up state of affairs. But if a lone whale was 
raised the first ship to lower a boat had the right of way. Unless the 
ships were very close it would rarely happen that more than two or three 
ships would see the same whale at the same time ; the other ships would 
know a whale was in sight by seeing the boats, but they might not see 
the whale. Again the boats of a few ships might be chasing different 
whales, discovered in separate locations, but at the same time, while the 
greater number of the ships would be looking on. If a number of whales 
were in sight and well dispersed so that all the ships could lower their 
boats, they would do so, but great care was used not to interfere with 
each other's whales as soon as that fact was established by the whale 
being nearer to one boat than to another. 

By the latter part of August the ice had worked some distance off 
shore and the ships commenced again to work to the northeast. Blos- 
som Shoals off Icy Cape were passed, and it began to look as though we 
would reach Point Barrow, where we expected to find plenty of whales; 
but on the 29th the wind came strong from the southwest accompanied 



64 NEW BEDFORD 

by snow, and the ice commenced again to shut in. At this time we were 
off Point Belcher, and my father decided to turn back. It was a beat to 
windward, but we hoped to get by the shoals ahead of the ice. The sea 
room, however, was narrow, requiring short tacks and the taking of 
chances in the shoal water along the shore. We had only made a few 
miles to the south when one of those peculiar incidents happened which 
make sailors believe in luck, good and bad, only in this case it was bad. 
We were on the "in-shore tack,'' trying to make every inch possible, the 
order was given for tacking ship, all hands were on deck, starboard watch 
aft, port watch forward, as was always the rule when working ship in 
close quarters. The ship was almost in the wind and coming beautifully ; 
another minute and she would be safely on the other tack. The calls of 
the leadsmen in the fore chains showed that we still had water under our 
keel, when of a sudden, out of the gloom of the snow, there loomed a 
floe of ice right under our weather bow. There was a bare possibility 
that the ship would swing enough to strike it on her other bow, in which 
event we were all right, but as the sailors said, "Luck was against us ;" 
she struck on her weather bow, hung "in irons" for a few moments, then 
slowly swung off and stopped ; we were ashore. The sails were all 
quickly taken in and furled, and an anchor laid out to windward to try 
to keep her from going on hard. It was not rough, as the ice had made 
a perfect lee, and as night had then set in nothing more could be done 
until morning. The next day was clear and fair and showed the greater 
part of the fleet at anchor outside of our position. Our condition was 
soon known to them, and all sent their crews to assist in getting our ship 
off. To me it was a gala day, the decks fairly swarmed with men, orders 
were executed with a snap and vigor that only a sailor can put into his 
work when he is pleased to. More anchors were laid out astern, and the 
chains taken to the windlass and hove taut. Casks of oil were hoisted out 
of the hold and rolled aft, and finally she floated and was towed off to the 
other ships and her anchor dropped, as it later developed, for the last 
time. 

The pack ice had swung in until it was close to the shore at Point 
Belcher and at Icy Cape, with most of the ships lying in the clear water 
between the ice and the shore, which here makes a long inward curve 
between the two mentioned headlands. The fleet was divided into four 
parts ; the most northern including four ships was in the pack ice off 
Point Belcher. About ten miles to the south and off Wainwright inlet 
were eighteen ships, including our ship, and all in a small area of water 
about three-quarters of a mile in width, between the pack and the shore. 
A few miles further south were seven ships, some in the ice and some in 
clear water, and just in sight from our masthead, still further south, were 
three more ships. At that time it was not clearly known whether the 
other seven ships of the fleet were in the ice or outside. At first we 
looked upon the situation as only a temporary hindrance, and the boats 
were sent off up the coast to look for whales. Our boats captured the 
one which made us the recipients of many congratulations over our good 
luck. The weather was pleasant, but the wind, when there was any, was 
from the westward. Everybody prayed and whistled for a strong north- 
easter, but it did not come ; instead, the ice kept crowding the ships closer 
to the shore. 

Now a word about the pack ice of the Arctic ocean, which I will 



NEW BEDFORD 65 

preface by stating candidly that I fear I cannot give you a comprehen- 
sive description of it, as it seems to be one of those indescribable things, 
at least I judge so, from the fact that I have never read anything that to 
my mind adequately described it. The pack ice is an enormous accumu- 
lation of cakes or floes of snow-covered sea frozen ice, of all sizes and 
shapes, but containing very few whose highest points are more than ten 
feet above the sea level, and those have been formed by the crowding of 
one floe on top of another. There are very few level spots of any extent, 
the general effect being very rough. There are no icebergs, as there are 
no glaciers in these northernmost parts of either America or Asia. The 
pack is not, therefore, in its individual parts imposing, grand or beautiful, 
but as a whole, under all the varying conditions of an Arctic sky, from 
brilliant sunshine to a leaden gloom, it is a magnificent spectacle ; and 
when you stop to consider that it represents ages of accumulation, and 
that there is beneath the surface nearly ten times more bulk than what 
you can see, you realize that there is something to be considered beside 
beautiful effects, that there is within it a power which cannot be ex- 
pressed and can only be partially comprehended. 

Captain Markham, an English explorer, has named the pack ice of 
this, the Greenland side of the Arctic ocean, the Paleo-crystic sea. I 
think it is an appropriate title for all the real pack ice of the Arctic ocean. 
Of course the southern limit of the pack ice is not always the same. In 
1871 it was unusually far south, but probably at that time there were 
large openings of clear water to the west and north, perhaps in the neigh- 
borhood of Wrangel island, caused by a separation in the pack as a result 
of the long period of westerly winds. I do not believe that the great 
central ice pack of the Arctic extending from longitude 130 degrees west 
to longitude 160 degrees east acts often, if ever, as a unit. Here is a 
great frozen area which, with the exception of two small islands near its 
southern limit, is, as far as we know, absolutely devoid of land. The 
little that is known of the great ice pack has been learned by the whalers, 
and of the many ships which have been lost in it no wreckage has ever 
yet come back. It was in this great pack that the "Mt. Wollaston" and 
the "Vigilant" were lost the year that Lieutenant Delong entered the 
same pack ice, only to the westward of Wrangel island, and again the 
same in which in 1876 thirteen whaleships were lost to the northeast of 
Point Barrow. It was the central portion of the great pack that had 
swung south and barred our escape. 

The water at the edge of the pack where we were anchored was 
about twenty-four feet deep, yet the ice was on the bottom, and each 
day the tremendous force of the pack pressing in was driving it close to 
the shore. 

September 2d the brig "Comet" was crushed by getting between a 
grounded floe of ice and the moving pack. On the 7th the bark "Roman" 
was crushed in a similar manner, only Jn this case the pack performed 
one of its peculiar tricks of relaxing its pressure, allowing the floe against 
the ship to draw back, as though gathering its energy for another attack, 
whereupon the ship immediately sank, giving the crew but scant time in 
which to save themselves. On the 8th the bark "Awashonks" was 
crushed and pushed partly out upon the ice. 

It was now apparent that the situation was serious, and consulta- 
N B-s 



66 NEW BEDFORD 

tions between the captains were frequent. It was finally decided that 
they ought to find out if any of the ships were outside the ice. Accord- 
ingly, Captain Frasier, of the ship "Florida" went down the coast in a 
whaleboat, and reported upon his return that seven of the ships were 
either outside or in a position to easily get out, but that the ice extended 
to lev Cape, a distance of about seventy miles from our position. He 
also reported that these seven ships had only just got out of a position 
which at one time looked serious, and that several of them had lost 
anchors, but the captains had promised that they would hold on as long 
as they could, but the most assuring message was brought from Captain 
Dowd'en, of the "Progress," who said, "Tell them all I will wait for them 
as long as I have an anchor left and a spar to carry a sail." And we all 
knew he meant just what he said. The clear water had now begun to 
freeze over so that the bows of the boats had to be coppered to keep them 
from being cut through by this thin ice. All hopes of getting out were 
now given up. and active preparations were commenced for leaving the 
ships. It was evident that the distance to Icy Cape was so great that 
only one trip could be made, therefore everything that was not an abso- 
lute necessity had to be left, as all the availaljle room in the boats was 
required for provisions. I recall with an everincreasing regret our family 
sorrow at giving up the many interesting articles we had collected during 
our cruise among the South Sea island and our visit to Japan. 

September I2th the captains held their last conference, and decided 
to abandon the ships on the 14th, all signing a statement which briefly 
gave their reasons, as follows : First, there was no harbor available that 
the ships could be got into ; second, there were not enough provisions to 
feed the crews for over three months ; third, the country was bare of food 
and fuel. 

My father decided that on account of my mother and sister, and per- 
haps also me, he would not attempt to make the trip in one day, so we 
started on the afternoon of the 13th and spent the night on the brig 
"Victoria" as the guests of Captain Redfield. I doubt if I can adequately 
describe the leave-taking of our ship. It was depressing enough to me, 
and you know a boy can always see possibilities of something novel or 
interesting in most any change, but to my father and mother it must have 
been a sad parting, and I think what made it still more so was the fact 
that only a short distance from our bark lay the ship "Florida," of which 
my father had been master eight years, and on which three of his children 
had been born. The usual abandonment of a ship is the result of some 
irreparable injury and is executed in great haste ; but here we were leav- 
ing a ship that was absolutely sound, that had been our home for nearly 
ten months, and had taken us safely through many a trying time. 

The colors were set and everything below and on deck was left just 
as though we were intending to return the next day. All liquor was 
destroyed, so that the natives would not get to carousing and wantonly 
destroy the ships: but the medicine chests were forgotten. Later, when 
the natives got to sampling their contents, some were killed and others 
made very sick, in retaliation for which they burned several of the ships. 
Our boat contained in addition to its regular crew, my mother, sister and 
I, and all of our clothing, bedding and provisions, so that we were loaded 
nearly to the gunwales. We got an early start on the morning of the 
14th, and bv rowing and sailing, the water being very smooth all the 



NEW BEDFORD 67 

way, we finally reached Icy Cape and landed on the beach just as dark- 
ness was setting in. A tent was erected for the ladies and children, and 
great fires were built for the men and for cooking. We still had several 
miles to go to reach the ships, and as it was in the open ocean outside the 
ice, there were some fears as to our ability to make it with our boats 
loaded so deep. To add to our discomforts, mental and physical, it com- 
menced to rain and blow, so that taken all in all it was a night that few 
of its participants will ever forget. By morning it had stopped raining, 
and although there was a good fresh breeze blowing it was decided to 
start out as soon as we had eaten our breakfast. Our boat made the trip 
under sail, and although we put in several reefs, it was a hair-raising 
experience. My father had decided to go aboard the "Progress." She 
was still at anchor and pitching into the heavy seas that were then run- 
ning in a way that would have made you wonder how we could ever get 
the men aboard, let alone a woman and two children ; but it was accom- 
plished without accident, or even the wetting of a foot. As fast as the 
boats were unloaded they were cast adrift to be destroyed against the 
ice pack a short distance under our lee, where the waves were breaking 
masthead high. 

By the next day every man of the crews of all the abandoned ships 
had boarded some one of the seven, and sail was made for the straits. 
On the "Progress" there was 188 officers and men, besides three ladies 
and four children, one a baby in arms. Captain Dowden gave up his 
cabin and state-room to the three captains and families. I have forgotten 
just how the three ladies and the younger children disposed of them- 
selves in the state-room, but in the after cabin we just managed to fit in 
by putting one man on the transom and two men and myself on the floor, 
but we were all very thankful for what we had. The other captains and 
officers divided quarters in the forward cabin, and rough berths were put 
up between decks for the sailors and boatsteers, so that finally everybody 
was provided for except Captain Dowden, and I never did know where 
he managed to get his sleep. 

We stopped at Plover bay long enough to take in a supply of fresh 
water, and then laid our course for Honolulu. We had a good run and 
reached our destination on the 23d of October without anything taking 
place that was specially worthy of note. 

And now a brief statement of the sequel, which was not learned until 
the next year. In less than two weeks after we had left the ships the 
long looked for northeast gale came, and lasted several days. Some of 
the ships went off with the pack, some were sunk at their anchors, a few 
were burned by the natives, and several went through the winter with- 
out injury. Only one, the bark "Minerva," ever came back, and she was 
saved by my father the next season. Our ship was destroyed where we 
left here, as my father discovered a portion of her bow sticking up out 
of the water and recognized it by the iron plating, as she was the only 
ship in the fleet protected in that way. If we had waited until this gale 
came, without doubt the greater part of the fleet would have been saved, 
but this was knowledge not possessed by the captains, who made their 
decision after a careful consideration of the situation as it then existed, 
in connection with their united experience in those waters. 



CHAPTER XI. 

The Whaling Classic. 

No history of New Bedford can be complete unless "The Whaling 
Classic" is embraced in its contents, and yet no history of New Bedford 
has ever included it. The reason is, perhaps, that the printing of it invari- 
ably gives rise to controversy over the terminology. There are many 
variants in the version of the classic, and it has been said that no subject, 
with the possible exception of the fourth dimension and the deathbed 
remark of Heinrich Heine, has ever brought forth so much confusion of 
thought and inaccuracy of information. The essential point of difference 
in the versions is what a certain profane mate actually said to a certain 
profane captain. Francis Hopkinson Smith undertook to establish the 
phraseology of the aggrieved mate's dictum a number of years ago and 
devoted to the task laborious but pleasurable researches in this neighbor- 
hood. It was his version, heard at the Tile Club, that was told Robert 
Louis Stevenson by Will H. Low and Theodore Robinson. It was told 
Stevenson in France and it is recorded that the great author heard it 
"with immense joy." On a retelling of the story Mr. Low skipped a 
measure of the profanity "in deference to the presence of ladies," where- 
upon Stevenson demanded that Low should stop asking Robinson, whom 
he said knew the story, to "be so kind as to tell it in a proper manner." 
' So in every record of the telling, controversy has arisen. A number 
of years ago the New Bedford "Mercury" and the New York "Sun" 
swapped variants, and scores of correspondents contributed versions. 
One had heard it told in Chile, another had heard it on the Dead sea, the 
Grand canal, in the foc's'le of a schooner in the doldrums of the South 
Atlantic trades, on the taffrail of the yacht "Wanderer," on the wharves 
at New Bedford and Nantucket. Sometimes the captain's name was 
Cofhn, sometimes Simmes, Simmons or Bunker. The dialogue is re- 
corded as having taken place on many different ships. We have stand- 
ardized a version, choosing what is good and obviously responding to 
approved tests, and discarding the rest, harmonizing, codifying, restor- 
ing here and obliterating there, and finally producing for posterity a 
product which is definite. 

THE WHALING CLASSIC. 
(Told by Mr. Simmons, the Mate). 

We was cruisin' down the Mozambique channel under reefed tops'ls 
and the wind blowin' more'n half a gale, two years out er New Bedford 
an' no ile. An the masthead lookout shouts, "Thar she blows !" 

An' I goes aft. 

"Cap'n Simmons," sez I (his bein' the same name as mine, but no 



NEW BEDFORD 69 

kith or kin, thank God!), "the man at masthead says, 'Thar she blows!' 
Shall I lower?" 

"Mr. Simmons," sez the cap'n, "it's blowin' a little too peart an' I 
don't see fittin' fer to lower." 

An' I goes forrard. 

An' the man at masthead sings out, "Thar she blows an' breaches!" 

An' I goes aft. 

"Cap'n Simmons," sez I, "the lookout at masthead sez, "Thar she 
blows an' breaches!' Shall I lower?" 

"Mr. Simmons," sez the cap'n, "it's blowin' too peart an' I don't see 
fittin' for to lower." 

An' I goes forrard. 

An' the lookout at masthead sings out, "Thar she blows an' breaches, 
an sparm at that !" 

An' I goes aft. 

"Cap'n Simmons," sez I, "the lookout sez, 'Thar she blows an' 
breaches, an' sparm at that!' Shall I lower?" 

"Mr. Simmons," sez he, "it's blowin' too peart an' I don't see fittin' 
for to lower, but if so be you sees fittin' for to lower, Mr. Simmons, why 
lower and be good an' damned to ye." 

An' I lowers an' goes on the whale, an' when I comes within seventy- 
five foot of her I says, "Put me jest three seas nearer, for I'm hell with 
the long harpoon." An' I darted the iron an' it tuk. 

When I comes alongside the ship Cap'n Simmons stands in the gang- 
way. "Mr. Simmons," sez he, "you are the finest mate that ever sailed 
on this ship. Below, in the locker on the port side, there's rum an' 
seegars at your service." 

"Cap'n Simmons," sez I, "I don't want your rum, no more your 
seegars. All I wants of you, Cap'n Simmons, is plain seevility, and that 
of the commonest, goddamndest kind!" 

An' I goes forrard. 

Theodore Roosevelt frequently tells the story, but employs a hybrid 
version in which "the captain" of the New Bedford whaler is represented 
as saying, "All I want out of you is silence and damn little of that." This 
was alleged by the "Mercury" to be a Hibernian rather than a Yankee 
climax, which brought from Mr. Roosevelt the following ingenious re- 
sponse: 

I regret to say that your correspondent who took exception to my 
quotation about the statement of the New Bedford whaling captain to 
his mate has confounded two classics, committing a fault analogous to 
that of confounding Virgil's "^^neid" with the Georgics. It was the 
mate of a whaler who, after a time of stress with whales, stated that all 
he wished from the captain was "see-vility" and that of the damndest 
commonest kind," whereas it was on another and entirely different occa- 
sion that the captain of a whaler addressed a refractory mate with the 
statement, that "All I want from you is silence — and damn little of that." 
It is a matter of regret to me to see the New Bedford "Mercury" falling 
from grace in such fashion as to ignore even the fact that these are two 
totally distinct stories. For the information of the New Bedford "Mer- 
cury" I will state that while I cannot myself claim whaling ancestry, yet 



70 NEW BEDFORD 

that my children number both Coffins and Starbucks among their for- 
bears. The two anecdotes are as I have given them, but I am not able 
to state with precision who among the four characters were Coffins and 
who were Starbucks. 

In commenting upon Mr. Roosevelt's explanation the "Sun" said: 

Colonel Roosevelt disposes once and forever of certain rash critics 
who have questioned the exactitude of his recent reference to a certain 
incident in the history of New Bedford whaling. We congratulate him 
upon the analytical skill and authoritative brevity with which he differ- 
entiates two entirely distinct and unrelated anecdotes ; namely, that 
of the captain who enjoined upon his mate a profane minimum of respect- 
ful silence, and that of the mate who so nobly scorned the conciliatory 
ofifer of his superior officer when he, the mate, had finally brought the 
whale alongside after having his professional judgment aspersed by the 
captain. Colonel Roosevelt has added to his many eminent public serv- 
ices another of no small importance. While he is wholly right as to the 
main point, the separate entity of the silence anecdote and the civility 
anecdote, we must venture to indicate to him a slight departure from the 
accepted and orthodox version when he reports the mate as saying that 
all he wanted was "Seevility, and that of the damndest, commonest kind." 
What the mate axed of the captain (and our decorous types will not 
shrink from the performance of their full duty) was "A little see-vility 
and that of the commonest goddamndest kind." The exact record is in the 
custody of this establishment. We have the facts, the remarks verbatim, 
and even the names, although unfortunately not the date, and these are 
quite at Colonel Roosevelt's service if his historical activities take him 
further into this interesting field. 





WII.M.IOK lliiX].; i.uwx Kill; l;l-;rAll; 



4 - /ij r , - J ' 




^M.s^^^. <4.i 



NEW. BEDFORD WH.UiVKS IN TAL-MY ]iAY.S up WHALING. 



CHAPTER XII. 
Whaling Hazards and Methods. 

To illustrate the hazards which the whalemen undertook in the 
course of the day's work, we may tell the story of the "Junior." The 
"Junior" was owned by David R. Greene, of this city, and made a remark- 
a1)le voyage in 1847-48. B. S. Osborn believes this is the first and only 
ship flying the Stars and Stripes, excepting, perhaps, the vessels of Cap- 
tain Wilkes' exploring expedition, which ever penetrated such high lati- 
tudes. The "Junior" on this voyage was commanded by Captain Silas 
Tinkham. She was of 300 tons, and was manned by a crew of thirty- 
two. The vessel cruised about the coasts of New South Wales and New 
Zealand without much success, and finally put into Hobart Town, Tas- 
mania, to give the crew a run on shore. 

Inspired by the fabulous stories of an abundance of right whales in 
the Antartic, brought by Ross, Captain Tinkham sailed late in Decem- 
ber for these practically unknown regions. The charts were, of course, 
unreliable, and there were no sailing directions. Yet the "Junior" sailed 
poleward with that confidence and spirit of daring which distinguished 
the early character of the New Bedford whaling skipper. The vessel 
sailed some ten or fifteen degrees of southern latitude before real Antar- 
tic weather was encountered. Then snow, sleet, fogs and ice fields 
became daily incidents. Still the "Junior" was pushed on, meeting with 
countless flocks of birds, the albatross and penguin predominating. But 
no whales, other than the worthless "sulphur bottom" were to be seen. 
These were in abundance. The vessel was short of oil for the lamps, and 
Captain Tinkham concluded to try for a "sulphur bottom." He lowered 
a boat and pulled up to a whale, which, had it been a right whale, would 
have stowed down 150 barrels. No sooner had the boatswain darted the 
harpoons into her than up went her flukes, and whir-whir-whir, and the 
two tubs of line were empty. The whale was seen no more. A "sulphur 
bottom" calf was taken, however, which made five barrels of oil, and the 
carcass furnished "fresh beef" for several weeks. 

By this time Captain Tinkham had gone as far south as he cared, 
but storms drove the "Junior" further and further. The ship was worked 
to the eastward, in the hope of finding more moderate weather, then 
westward, but instead of bettering conditions they grew worse. Bergs 
of great size were encountered ; the currents were contrary, the course 
uncharted, the weather was thick and no observations could be taken. 
For days the vessel drifted at the mercy of winds and currents, and the 
situation was perilous. During this period the ship was under double or 
close-reefed topsails most of the time, making little or no headway, while 



-2 NEW BEDFORD 

the wind continued to blow from the northward so that it was impossible 
to shape a course to take the ship away from misery and peril. There 
were no signs of land. Birds were caught and their crops examined for 
signs of terra firma, but there was nothing to afford hope of finding an 
Antartic continent. This was weird and wearisome cruising, but while 
all hands were sometimes appalled at the constant peril, the spirit of the 
crew was not impaired. At last the wind favored a trifle and the "Junior" 
clawed off the barren icy confines of the Antartic circle, and after tedious 
beating to the northward, merged into fine weather and put into New 
Zealand. Here stories were told of a new species of whale in the Arctic 
ocean, and the "Junior" went into the northern sea, where she cruised 
successfully and took a number of bowheads. The vessel was gone five 
years. 

How far the ease with which the modern whaler fills his ship with 
oil is due to the plentitude of whales and how far it is to be attributed 
to the improved appliances of the whalemen of the twentieth century 
and the repudiation of the traditions and superstitions of the days when 
more than 300 whaleships from New Bedford vexed the seas, is not de- 
termined. 

The implement of the harpooner has accomplished the change in the 
minds of many. Most of us will retain in our mind's eye the picture of 
Oueequeg, the harpooner of the Spouter Inn in "Moby Dick." Queequeg, 
six feet in height, with noble shoulders and "chest like a coffer dam," 
who shaved with the blade of his harpoon. The picture of the harpooner, 
standing in the bow, holding the typical primitive harpoon with fixed 
head and two barbs, is a familiar figure. The harpoon was hurled. 
"Stern all." The oarsmen backed water, the line ran out, and as it was 
turned around the loggerhead a hempen blue smoke jetted up and 
mingled with the steady fumes from the harpooner's pipe. "Wet the 
line. Wet the line," was the cry, and the bow oarsman snatched off his 
cap and dashed on sea water. The boat flew through the boiling water 
"like a shark all fine." The harpooner and officer in the stern changed 
places, stem for stern, a staggering business in that rocking commotion. 
The boat churned on, a continual cascade at the bow, a whirling eddy in 
the wake, and at every motion within, the vibrating craft canted her 
spasmodic gunwale into the sea. The men clung with might and main 
to their seats during the rush to prevent being tossed to the foam, and 
the tall form at the steering oar crouched almost double in order to bring 
down his center of gravity. Whole Atlantics and Pacifies seemed passed 
as they shot on their way, till at length the whale somewhat slackened 
his flight. 

"Haul in. Haul in," was the next order, and all began pulling the 
boat up to the whale, while yet the boat was being towed on. Soon 



NEW BEDFORD 73 

ranging up his flank, the boatheader firmly planted his knee in the clumsy 
cleat and darted dart after dart into the flying fish. 

Their fixed jav'Iins in his side he wears, 
And on his back a grove of pikes appears. 

At the word of command the boat alternately sterned out of the way 
of the whale's horrible wallow and ranged up for another fling. The red 
tide poured from his tormented body like a brook down a hill, and all 
the while jet after jet of white smoke shot from the spiracle of the whale. 
The excited headsmate at every dart hauled in upon his crooked lance, 
straightening it again and again by a few rapid blows against the gun- 
whale, and sending it again and again into the whale. Then the boat 
pulled upon the fish's flank, and reaching far over the bow the headsman 
slowly churned his long, sharp lance into the fish and kept it there, care- 
fully churning and churning until the monster started into the "flurry" 
and wallowed in his blood, spasmodically dilating and contracting his 
spout hole. Gush after gush of blood shot into the air and dripped down 
his flanks into the sea. The whalemen were wont to say the heart of the 
whale eventually burst. 

This is the story of the killing of a whale by an author who recalls 
the old method. It was certainly primitive. "Bethink you how you 
would manage a powerful unbroken colt with the mere appliance of a 
rope tied to the root of his tail." And the whale is the largest animal in 
creation. Moreover, for years it was the invariable usage of the fishery 
that the headsman should be temporary steersman as he pushed away 
from the ship, and the harpooner, or whale fastener, should pull the fore- 
most oar — the harpoon oar. When the order came, "Stand up and give 
it to him," the harpooner had to drop and secure the oar, seize his har- 
poon from the crotch, and dart it into the whale. And if the dart was 
successful, the boatheader and harpooner started to run fore and aft, 
exchanging places, to the jeopardy of themselves and everyone else. 

The use of the darting gun has changed all this. This is a harpoon 
and bomb-gun combined, the former fastening the whale to the boat, 
and the latter simultaneously killing or wounding it by discharging the 
explosive lance or "darting bomb," as it is called. When the harpoon 
buries itself in the whale, the gun is automatically discharged by a long 
wire rod, which is, in fact, a trigger extending beyond the muzzle, and 
which by impact operates the internal mechanism and projects the lance. 
If the whale is not instantly killed, the shoulder gun is called into requisi- 
tion and the whale is quickly dispatched. There is some variation in 
methods, to be sure. Some Portuguese whalemen are afraid of the recoil 
of the darting gun, which often throws the butt over the masthead, and 
to make sure there will be no flinching an ordinary harpoon is thrown to 
make fast, and the darting gun, minus the harpoon, is immediately 



74 NEW BEDFORD 

thrown. Some use the ordinary harpoon and the shoulder gun, but the 
old method of killing is practically obsolete. 

There is on exhibition at the Old Dartmouth Historical Society a 
complete collection of whaling harpoons and guns. The use of these 
guns was not adopted without long patience in overcoming prejudice. 
For a long time the use of the guns was not permitted by whaling mas- 
ters when boats were lowered in a school. There was a theory that the 
blood of a whale in a flurry alarmed the other whales, and the first boat 
to make fast must be snaked about, imperiling the crew and frequently 
losing a whale, because no whale must be killed until all the boats were 
fast. Now, the boats go in and slay with their bomb lances as quickly 
as may be, and the result is much larger catches than ever before. More- 
over, it is no longer necessary for the officers to kill the whale. The 
harpooner throws his lance, and the bomb finishes the work instanter. 
One whaling merchant says the cost of the darting gun outfit is less than 
the towline one required in an outfit. The development of the gun now 
in use was not rapid. Swivel guns were used hundreds of years ago, 
and various toggle devices for the harpoons were tried. Some of them 
are shown in the illustrations. A Yankee invention was a single barbed 
explosive head. This iron was fixed with a trigger, and when the point 
penetrated the flesh the trigger closed on the shank, released the ham- 
mer, exploded a cap in the point, in turn exploding the powder and the 
harpoon head. A strange weapon which was actually tried was the 
"acid harpoon." It was a French invention and was used in 1830, when 
everybody was cudgeling his brain to improve on the original fixed head 
double-barbed iron. The acid harpoon consisted of a two-flued head 
with a recess in the shank in which was placed a bottle of prussic acid. 
When the iron penetrated the flesh of the whale, a spring broke the bottle 
and discharged the acid into the whale's body. Several of the crew of a 
French whaler were killed by the poison in handling the blubber, and 
although the "American" of New Bedford and the "Susan" of Nantucket 
carried these harpoons, they were not used. Swivel guns were tried, but 
the recoils strained the boats, and there was much experimenting with 
the shoulder gun before the device was made practical. 



CHAPTER XIII. 
Curious Whaling Industries, Crafts and Professions. 

Whaling developed many special industries, crafts and professions. 
There were oil refineries, candle works, builders of whale boats, makers 
of whaling irons, caulkers, bakers of ship bread, coopers, blockmakers, . 
ropemakers, ship carpenters, riggers, and runners, who were called 
"sharks" in the vernacular of the day. There are plenty of citizens who 
can recall when there were candle works and oil works in the city, as 
numerous as are the cotton factories to-day. They were all of a type — 
square buildings of native granite with Dutch cap roofs, following a uni- 
form style of architecture with that of the mansions of the rich in the 
staid and far-off times. In 1822 a local surveyor named John Pickens 
records there were eight spermaceti manufactories in the city. Most of 
them were burned down, and these and the old oil sheds, the latter fre- 
quently built with stone walls, common enough thirty or forty years 
ago, no longer distinguish the city. 

A great deal has been written about the taking of whales, but there 
has been very meagre allusion to the manufacture of the oil, which was a 
distinctively local industry, the refining of whale oil being an art which 
is now possessed by but few. In the early days a whaling voyage was 
but a few weeks in duration, and the blubber was brought into port by 
the little sloops that caught the whales, and tried out on the shore. Wil- 
liam A. Wall's old painting of the origin of the whale fishery depicts one 
of the primitive factories, that of Joseph Russell. The latter was the 
founder of New Bedford, and the father of the whale fishery — two very 
grand titles. 

Russell sold town lots on the shore near Union street. He located 
a candle works between Centre street and Rose alley, west of Front 
street, and the try works depicted in Wall's painting were a short dis- 
tance north. The outfit comprised merely a trypot under a shed. The 
butts of blubber were drawn in ox teams from the whaling sloops to the 
try works. This was as early as 1765. Previous to the Revolution Mr. 
Russell built a candle house and employed Captain Chafee, who had had 
experience in manufacturing spermacetic in Lisbon, at a salary of $500 
per annum. A half century later a number of factories were built. 
Among the first was the stone factory at the corner of Water and Rod- 
man streets, built by Samuel Rodman. It was built of stone, covered 
with plaster, and is still standing. The factory of Humphrey Hathaway 
stood on the north side of School street, we.st of Purchase, and west of 
this stood the factory of Isaac Howland, Jr. From the best information 
obtainable, the old "marsh candle works" were built by William Rotch 



76 NEW BEDFORD 

& Sons. They stood on the site now occupied by the gas works. At 
each of these factories sperm oil and candles were manufactured and 
whale oil was refined. 

The old walls of these oil factories house more modern industries in 
many cases. The automobile repair shop at the corner of Second and 
Middle streets was the factory of John James Rowland, whose son built 
another factory at the "Smoking Rocks," which is still used, or was until 
quite recently, by the Potomska Mill Corporation. William W. Swain 
built a factory on the north side of Middle street. Andrew Robeson 
built a factory on Ray street, subsequently owned by Edward Mott 
Robinson, the father of Hetty Green. George Rowland had a factory on 
Rowland's wharf, William T. Russell one on Third street. There were 
factories on First street, built by David Coffin, one at South water street, 
carried on by Charles W. Morgan, and one on Fish Island. 

Samuel Leonard maintained the largest refinery in the country, on 
the north side of Leonard street, east of Water, and in the '50s Samuel 
Leonard & Son built the stone factory on Acushnet avenue, at the corner 
of Cannon, now the Industrial School. George Tyson, who married Seth 
Russell's daughter, built the stone factory at the corner of South and 
Second streets, subsequently operated by Oliver and George O. Crocker, 
Charles R. Leonard and George Delano, and the largest whale oil factory 
to-day in the world. The present refiners are Frank L. Young & Com- 
pany. George T. Baker built the factory at the corner of Water and 
Madison streets, which is still used as an oil refinery, being operated by 
William A. Robinson & Company. 

Nehemiah Leonard and Sanford & Rowland owned factories. The 
latter was built b}- William W. Swain, and after burning it was rebuilt 
and was operated for awhile by Eben Milliken. Cornelius Grinnell built 
a factory on First street, at the northwest corner of South, and Joseph 
Ricketson built one at the northwest corner of Grinnell and First streets. 
The two latter were burned. The Rastings had a factory at the foot of 
Grinnell street, and S. Thomas & Company established a factory on 
Prospect street, subsequently operated by Romer Brothers. 

This is a fairly accurate list of the factories, and one quite worth pre- 
serving. Each factory was operated by successors to the original build- 
ers. The decline of these factories dates from the discovery of petro- 
leum, but the discovery was not felt to any great extent until after the 
war. 

When oil wells were first opened, the Schieflfelins asked the late 
Weston Rowland to experiment with refining the oil, which was called 
Seneca oil, and used as a medicine. Mr. Rowland did not succeed very 
well. One day he left a milk pan filled with oil, in which alkali and 
water were mixed, in his barn. The door was ajar, and when the sun 



NEW BEDFORD ^^ 

touched it, the problem was solved. When Mr. Rowland returned to his 
barn he found the oil refined. That night he placed it in a lamp, and it 
was agreed by the experts that it was superior to all other oils for illumi- 
nating purposes. The monopolization of the oil seems to have character- 
ized the industry from the first, Mr. Howland contracting for the entire 
product of the mills. A fire burned his factory, two men being killed in 
the explosion. Rebuilding immediately commenced, and other refineries 
were built. Mr. Howland was the last to abandon the business. 

At the oil refineries now in operation in this city whale, sperm, 
sea elephant and black-fish oils are refined and shipped all over the 
world. Patent and paraftine wax candles are also made, also spermaceti, 
whale and fish oil pressings and oil soaps. The oil brought in in the 
whaleships is a thick dirty brown. The sperm is turned into deck tanks 
and pumped to bleaching tanks on the roofs. The oil is boiled with soda 
lye, and the sediment, which precipitates, is drawn off and manufactured 
into soaps. The oil is barreled and placed in pits filled with ice for ten 
days, or thereabouts, when it freezes. The first product after the press- 
ing is the virgin winter oil, which runs limpid at a temperature twenty- 
five below zero. Subsequent pressings in the spring yield the spring oil, 
and in the summer the summer oil. Spermaceti, from which candles are 
made, is the product of the residue boiled with an alkaline lye and washed 
with water. The whale and other heavy oil processes are somewhat 
different. 

For many years every arriving whaler was met by a boatload of 
agents and "sharks." Captain "Bill" West took the receiving parties 
down the harbor in the big black sloop "Theresa," and she would be 
crowded with the outfitters' agents. It was not considered etiquette to 
board ship excepting from the regular boat. Once the "sharks" were 
aboard the whaler there was fierce rivalry to corral the sailors and to 
take them to the various outfitting establishments, once anchor was 
dropped. There were boarding house runners on the shark boat, and the 
sailor was importuned to his utter bewilderment. Each outfitting estab- 
lishment furnished men to the vessel agents, and they usually carried to 
their shops the men whom they had put aboard the ships. An agent who 
could get away a sailor from the outfitter who had shipped him was 
regarded as having accomplished something worth while. The shark 
boats were relegated to disuse about a dozen years ago, and outside the 
owners or the agents of the vessel, who board her in tugs, no one goes 
down as of yore to solicit trade. The profession of the outfitter's runner 
is no longer perpetuated. Some of the most famous were "Sim" Doane, 
Darius Gardner, "Phil" Slocum, "Steve" Burdick and John Wing, of 
which group only the latter is living. 

There were lawyers' firms in those days which gave their exclusive 



78 NEW BEDFORD 

attention to the settlement of the claims of the sailors against the agents, 
and the business developed many specialists in maritime law. The spe- 
cialists in this branch of the law have disappeared, along with the coopers 
and makers of whaling bone. 

Augustus G. Moulton, who is bookkeeper for J. & W. R. Wing, the 
last of the great firms of whaling merchants, chanced upon a list of the 
outfitters whose runners, or "sharks," as they were called in the vernacu- 
lar of whaling days, boarded the incoming whalers in 1859. The names of 
these outtitting firms were signed to an agreement setting down the rules 
for boarding whalers coming into port. There were hundreds of whalers 
sailing out of this port in 1859, and there were several whaleships arriv- 
ing every day at certain seasons of the year. If the voyagers had been 
prosperous, the sailors might have a hundred or two dollars to spend 
and the officers more, which meant a distribution of thousands of dollars 
in the aggregate, all of which would be spent before night at the outfit- 
ters, the boarding houses and convivial resorts. There was a race to get 
hold of these men and secure their patronage, and the outfitters had the 
first whack. Voyages at this time might last four or five years, and the 
returning men would be supplied with hats, clothes, shoes, and a full out- 
fit for the brief days ashore, which usually ended when money and credit 
were gone, neither of which lasted long. The outfitters were always 
getting together and making agreements not to sneak down to a ship to 
interview the men until all were notified, and they were supposed to go 
together on the same boat, from ship to ship. 

The outfitting shops on Water and Union streets and in Fairhaven 
were surmounted by lookout towers, octagonal in shape, all of which 
have disappeared excepting one in Fairhaven. All day long the runners 
would resort to the towers to watch the lighthouse on Dumplings, where 
an arm was set as a signal when a ship was discerned coming into the 
bay. Then the cry, "The arm is out," would circulate through the town, 
and hundreds would fiock to the water front to meet friends or seek tid- 
ings from other ships of New Bedford that might have been "spoken" 
by the returning whalemen. A lookout was maintained in the cupola on 
the top story of the old "reading room" at the southeast corner of Second 
and William streets, which still stands. The lookout was paid sixty 
dollars a month, and it was his duty to notify every shipping agent who 
was a subscriber, who was given reasonable time to get down to the dock 
and board the official boat, the "Theresa," maintained by the runners. 
The "reading room" itself was an institution and filled the place of the 
club of the modern day. A similar room was maintained in Newport, 
and gives name now to the most exclusive club in the fashionable resort. 
The papers of the world were on file, and the merchants of the town paid 
dues for the niamtenance of the room. 



NEW BEDFORD 79 

The record tells how the one-time fierce competition in the board- 
ing of vessels was curbed for the period between the years 1859 and 1873. 
On the flyleaf is found the following: 

THE 

OUTFITTERS ASSOCIATION 

OF 

NEW BEDFORD 

RECORDS 

MARCH 7th 

1859- 
STANDING COMMITTEE: 
William R. Wing, 
Franklin P. Seabury, 
William S. Cobb. 

Treasurer Frederick Slocum 

Secretary. . .David W. Wardrop 

Skipping a page the following agreement is found : 

This agreement made and entered into by and between the respec- 
tive parties whose signatures and seals are hereunto afifixed. 

Witnesseth, That whereas, the several parties aforesaid, being en- 
gaged in the business of outfitters and infitters of seamen in the City of 
New Bedford, and being desirous of so conducting said business as to 
avoid the necessity of night watching for the arrival of ships at this port 
without losing the chances of a fair and honorable competition in the 
same, have united themselves together under the name and style of "The 
Outfitters Association of New Bedford," and do hereljy covenant and 
agree to be governed by the following articles of association : 

First — Every person who shall sign this instrument shall be a mem- 
ber of the association. 

Second — The officers shall consist of a secretary whose duty it shall 
be to keep a record of its proceedings, a treasurer, and a standing com- 
mittee of three persons, members of the association, all of whom shall be 
elected annually on the first Monday of March in each year, by ballot, at 
a meeting of the association, to be notified for the purpose by the secre- 
tary by leaving a notice at the place of business of each member, of the 
time and place of which such meeting shall be held, all other meetings 
of the association shall be called by the direction of the standing com- 
mittee and be notified by the secretary in like manner. 

Third — No ship or vessel arriving at this port, or that of Fairhaven, 
shall be boarded by any member thereof, or by any person in his behalf, 
at any time between sunset and sunrise, in any part of the bay, river or 
harbor, until after the arrival of such ship or vessel in the bay, river or 
harbor, shall have been announced by signal or otherwise, and the party 



8o NEW BEDFORD 

boarding the same shall not start from the shore, for the purpose of 
boarding such ship or vessel, at a point further south than the north side 
of Hathaway & Luce's wharf at the foot of Walnut street. 

Fourth — For any violation of the third article of this agreement the 
party violating the same shall forfeit and pay to the treasurer of the asso- 
ciation for the use of the association the sum of one hundred dollars. 

Fifth — All questions arising out of any alleged violation of the third 
article aforesaid shall be determined by the standing committee, who 
shall certify to the treasurer every case of such violation that shall come 
to their knowledge, and it shall thereupon be the duty of the treasurer 
to proceed and collect such penalty and it is hereby covenanted and 
agreed by all the parties hereto that the said treasurer shall have a right 
of action, in his own name, against any member thereof for the amount 
of said penalty, who shall have been found by the standing committee, 
guilty of such violation. 

For the faithful performance of all the agreements contained in this 
instrument we hereby bind ourselves each to the other on this seventh 
day of March, A. D. 1859, at New Bedford, aforesaid : 

D. W. W.\RDR0P, Agt., Holder Russell, 

Slocum Cunningham & Co., F. W. Ellis, 

J. & W. R. Wing & Co., B. H.\ffords & Co., 

F. P. Seabury & Son. Alden Wordell, 

William S. Cobb & Pope, Am.\sa Bullard, 

T.\BER Read & Co., Chase & West, 

Barney & Spooner, E. S. A. Nickerson, 

Brownell & Ashley, Doane & Smith. 
A. H. Potter & Co., 

Very full records of the proceedings were kept from the start of the 
organization until the close of D. W. Wardrop's term of office as secre- 
tary, April 9, i860, when afterwards the mere fact of the annual meeting 
and the names of the officers elected were written in the old document. 

Some interesting proceedings were found in the first few meetings 
of the association. The first meeting was held at the store of Alden 
Wordell, at 10:00 a. m., March 7, 1859, when "the discontinuance of night 
watching upon the Point road and improving the general condition of 
the business" was discussed. F. P. Seabury was chairman, and D. W. 
Wardrop secretary. The agreement as given above was drawn up by a 
committee consisting of William R. Wing, William S. Cobb and T. D. 
Williams. The meeting adjourned to 7:00 p. m. the same day, when it 
was unanimously voted to accept the report of the committee. Officers 
were elected, and a committee appointed to secure rooms for a meeting 
place for the association. At a meeting March 10, it was "agreed to have 
the members divide themselves into squads, and arrange for watchmen 
as can be individually agreed to." It was voted that no member of the 
association shall charter a sailboat that is a common carrier, to go down 
the river in the night, to the exclusion of any member of the association. 



NEW BEDFORD 8i 

A room was hired at 767 Union street from Harvey Sullings, and it was 
called Association Hall, the lease to run to January i, i860. The first 
report of the treasurer showed the receipts were $15.00 and the expenses 
$17.17, leaving a deficit of $2.83. It was voted to have regular meetings 
weekly at 7:30. At a meeting March 11, 1859, it was voted "not to allow 
intoxicating liquors on board ships, and to call on Captain William West 
and request him not to allow any intoxicating liquors to be sold or car- 
ried for sale in his boat, and that ships should be boarded quietly and 
peacefully." An assessment of one dollar was levied on each member. 
.\t the next meeting it was reported by the committee that was sent to 
Captain West, "that he was willing to prohibit the carrying of ardent 
spirits in his boat for sale, and also ale, if the committee wished him to." 
It was voted "not to allow any intoxicating liquors carried for sale in 
sloop 'Richmond,' or any boat that Captain West may have charge of 
when used by the association in the transaction of their business." An 
amendment included ale, and one enthusiastic member went so far as to 
include "bottled cider" in the taboo list. All the amendments were car- 
ried. Simeon Doane moved not to start from shore in the daytime for 
thp purpose of boarding a ship, until it was known such ship had arrived 
at Round Hills. Captain West was present at this meeting to find out 
about leaving members on board ship. It was agreed that "all shall 
return in the boat unless they stated to the boatman they would remain 
on board. A fixed charge of twenty-five cents was made for each seaman 
brought ashore. At a meeting held February 27, i860, Simeon Doane 
wanted the privilege of boarding the boats when going to the ships from 
the Point road from sunset until 8:30, instead "of having to run his horse 
up town, it being a matter of serious inconvenience to him." This caused 
a great deal of discussion, but it was finally voted to allow N. S. Ellis and 
S. Doane to board any boat with association members from the Point 
road from sunset to 8:30, but not to board vessels in their own boats. 
It was voted "that the association hire a watchman whose duty it shall 
be to station himself upon the Point road in the vicinity of the light- 
house and there watch for ships, the association to furnish him with a 
horse and wagon. When he raises a ship he shall call N. S. Ellis and S. 
Doane, and wait for them and bring them up town, and call the rest of 
the members of the association, and the boatman after he has reached his 
boat shall wait fifteen minutes in order to give time for all the members 
of the association to get there. The expenses of the watchman shall be 
shared between the members of the association." At the annual meet- 
ing, March 5, i860, the secretary charged Nathan S. Ellis, of the firm of 
Taber, Read & Co., with having violated the third article of the associa- 
tion's agreement by starting from his wharf on the Point road, and 
boarding bark "Behring" after sunset, on Sunday, March 4, i860. On 

N B— 6 



82 NEW BEDFORD 

March 19 William R. Wing, William S. Cobb and J. W. Ellis, the stand- 
ing committee, reported finding no possible evidence to sustain the 
charge. At the same meeting it was voted not to allow card-playing in 
the sloop "Richmond," "Jerry," "Angel," or any other boats that the 
members of the association use. T. D. Williams and D. W. Wardrop 
were appointed monitors to enforce all regulations. It was also seen fit 
to vote that every member of the association constitute himself a mem- 
ber to prevent "rowdyism" on board the boats used by the association. 
At this time new rooms were secured at 36 South Water street, at an 
expense of $30.00 a year. Hall & Worth, outfitters, who were on the 
outside of the association, were reported as having violated the rules of 
the a.ssociation. They were invited to join, and declined, but stated they 
did not intend to go down the river for the purpose of boarding ships, in 
antagonism to the association. A committee was appointed to wait upon 
ship agents to notify the harbor pilots of New Bedford not to carry per- 
sons engaged in business, or their employes, in their boats when they got 
out to cruise for ships. At a meeting March 19, i860, on motion of Mr. 
Wardrop, it was voted: "That any member of the association using 
terms 'sharks' or 'sharking,' during any meeting, or while in the rooms 
of the association, shall forfeit and pay to the treasurer of the associa- 
tion the sum of twenty-five cents for each and every ofTence, said fines 
shall be used for the benefit or expenses of the association." The secre- 
tary added in the records: "The chairman (W. S. Cobb), in the course 
of his remarks in answer to the committee's question, was the first per- 
son to use the obnoxious epithet, for which the members held him re- 
sponsible, and demanded the fine. He excused himself, and ruled that 
the law did not go into effect until we occupied our new room." The 
records do not say that he had to pay the fine. The records show that a 
special meeting was held April 9, i860, in the new rooms, and that the 
next meeting shown by the entry was a regular meeting held March 4, 
1861. From that time on the records were short, merely the fact of the 
annual meeting being held and the ofiicers elected being placed in the 
book. At the annual meeting held March 3, 1863, S. Doane was elected 
secretary and at this meeting these names were found on a slip of paper 
in the book they being of members who seemed to be present at the 
meeting : Taber, Read & Co., A. H. Potter & Co.. Williams & Doane, Pope 
& Richardson, D. W. Luce, P. D. Slocum, James C. Smith. J. W. Ellis, 
Alden Wordell. J. & W. R. Wing & Co., Cobb, Pope & Co.. Slocum. Cun- 
ningham & Co.. Chase & West. H. Russell. Doane & Smith. A. Bullard & 
Son. A. Wordell. 

It seems that the association was reorganized at a meeting held 
March 7, 1864. when a new agreement was drawn up. which was almost 
identical, with the extra article added relating to the time when the dis- 
continuance of the association might be considered. William R. Wing 



NEW BEDFORD 83 

was chairman under the reorganization, J. G. W. Pope, secretary, and 
Frederick Peleg Slocum, treasurer. This meeting adjourned to meet the 
following year. A dozen lines each covered the next few annual meet- 
ings, with the same officers elected year after year, and the meetings 
seemed to have been held around at the different stores of the members. 
Leander Brightman was the secretary of the association for the last two 
or three years. The last record in the old book was in 1872, when the 
officers elected at the annual meeting were recorded and the roll call 
given as follows: Doane, Swift & Co., J. & W. R. Wing & Co., J. G. W. 
Pope & Co., Alden Wordell, Peleg Slocum & Co., John I. Richardson. 
The old association went out of existence the next year, according to the 
following found on a slip of paper : "On motion of Simeon Doane it was 
voted that these meetings be hereby discontinued, and the organization. 
Outfitters Association of New Bedford, formed by its members under 
date of March 7, 1864, be and hereby is discontinued from and after this 
date, March 3, 1873. 

Mr. Moulton says that too much has been made of the tradition that 
the "sharks" fleeced the sailor. Upon his arrival, if he had more than 
ei'.ough to settle his advance and his debt to the ship, he was equipped 
with clothes, which were generally made to order in those days, and his 
requirements for a few weeks ashore. Then the boarding house men 
took him in charge and he spent a few gay nights ashore, after which his 
money would be gone. Then it was the habit to say that the "sharks" 
had got all his money, whereas they were the only ones who gave him 
an equivalent. The owner of a vessel, though an outfitter, as was usually 
the case, seldom got the entire trade of the men or anything like it. 
Other outfitters and boarding house men had their clients who would 
not go elsewhere because of favors received. 

The ship owner looking for men would be approached by an outfitter 
from another establishment, who would offer to ship a certain man if he 
could be permitted to draw on the ship for $150. Such a bargain would 
be made, but the outfitter would receive nothing until the vessel sailed 
with the man aboard, and he generally earned his money in keeping him 
under surveillance and delivering him aboard ship. If he eluded him, 
the rival establishment would lose everything advanced. When a ship 
made an unprofitable voyage, the men returning in debt must be kept 
until they could be reshipped, and they must be financed in the dissipa- 
tions of life ashore. 

A favorite story of the late Henry H. Rogers was of the Fairhaven 
sailor who returned from a voyage with five dollars coming to him for 
his labors covering five years. "What are you going to do with all your 
money?" asked Mr. Rogers. "Well," said the whaleman, "Pm getting 
some clothes and things, and Pm going to hire a horse and buggy and 



84 NEW BEDFORD 

go out to Perry's Neck for the night, and what money I have left when 
I get back in the morning I'm going to put in barrels." 

In the day when whaling was most prosperous, the baking of bread 
for the whalers was a great industry in itself. There was much rivalry 
and competition among the bakers of ship bread, and it was one in which 
all the whalemen took a deep interest. In the old days, vessels frequently 
went on voyages of three, four and five years' duration, to the uttermost 
seas of earth, and as there were not the facilities for shipping out stores 
to the fleet in those days or for renewing supplies, the quality of the 
hard-tack put aboard was a matter of great importance. One secret of 
good bread lies in driving out all the moisture. Bread that was damp 
on the inside grew moldy and wormy, and the shipping master was 
especially critical of the quality of his hard-tack. The old ovens were 
crude, and it was necessary often to give the bread several weeks to dry 
and season. The modern oven produces far better bread since it is possi- 
ble to bake it dry through and through, and it is ready to pack in casks 
as soon as it comes from the ovens. 

The salted beef always came largely from the west. Once in a while 
the fresh beef was sent here to be corned, but the enterprise never suc- 
ceded very well. Beef that was brought home in the ships was stored 
in great sheds built for the purpose, and the best of it was repickled and 
sent out again. Just as Johnson was said to have acquired a taste for 
tainted butter, which he could not overcome, the whaleman acquires a 
taste for the salt beef, and sometimes develops such an inclination that 
it cannot be resisted. Whenever an old whaleman goes down the bay 
to meet an incoming vessel, he invariably hunts up the cook in the galley 
and seeks a piece of the salt junk, which he eats with apparent relish. 




CHAPTER XIV. 
Ambergris — A Precious Substance — Stories of Great Catches. 

Ambergris is the wax-like substance found at rare intervals, but 
sometimes in relatively large quantities, in the intestines of the sperm 
whale. With the exceptions of the choice pearls and coral, it is the 
highest-priced product of the fisheries, selling at upward of $40 an ounce. 
It has been a valuable object of commerce for hundreds of years. 

Ambergris is generated in either sex of the sperm whale, but far 
more frequently in the male, and is a result of a diseased state of the 
animal, caused possibly by a biliary irritation, as the individuals from 
which it is secured are almost invariably of a sickly appearance and 
sometimes greatly emaciated. It is not a frequent occurrence for whale- 
men with half a century's experience to never have seen any ambergris. 

Ambergris occurs in rough lumps, varying in weight from less than 
one pound to nearly one thousand pounds stated in the beginning of this 
article. It generally contains fragments of the beak or mandible of 
squid or cuttle fish, which constitutes the principal food of the sperm 
whale. 

When first removed from the animal it is comparatively soft and 
emits a repungnant odor, but upon exposure to the air it grows harder, 
lighter in color, and assumes the appearance when found floating on the 
ocean. It is light in weight, opaque, wax-like and inflammable. Its color 
ranges from black to whitish gray, and it is often variegated with light 
stripes and spots resembling marble somewhat. When dried — the only 
curing process it undergoes^ — it yields a subtle odor faintly resembling 
that of honey. It softens under heat like wax, and in that condition may 
be easily penetrated by a needle. A proof of its good quality is a pol- 
ished needle meeting with no obstacle when pushed through it, and if 
the needle be red hot the substance will exude an oil. When stored for 
a length of time it becomes covered with dust like chocolate. It contains 
some moisture that gradually evaporates, reducing its weight, but in- 
creasing its intrinsic value. 

While ambergris has been used for years as a medicine, at the pres- 
ent time the principal and almost the only use is in the preparation of 
fine perfumes. It furnishes an important ingredient in the production 
of choice bouquet or extracts and it also acts as a fixer and adds perma- 
nency to the ingredients employed. For the perfumers' use it is gener- 
ally made into an essence or tincture by dissolving four ounces in a 
gallon of alcohol. The value of ambergris depends largely on its scarcity 
at the time it is caught, and freedom from impurities. 

In all the stories told and printed about the famous catches of that 



86 NEW BEDFORD 

valuable article — ambergris — the story of the largest and richest catch of 
all has but recently been recorded. The whale from which the ambergris 
in question was taken was captured on October i, 1882, by the bark 
"Splendid," of which Captain J. A. M. Earle was commander. 

The whale from which the valuable mass was taken was a sperm 
whale and was caught on the Solander grounds off Chatham Islands, in 
latitude 46° 32'. longitude 166° 54'. Captain Earle struck the creature 
himself, and when his oil was tried out it was found that the "Splendid" 
stowed down ninety-three barrels, but the ambergris found weighed on 
being taken from the whale nine hundred and eighty-three pounds. After 
the usual shrinkage in the mass had taken place it was found that there 
was eight hundred and seventy-two pounds of the valuable material. 

The report was sent out of the big catch and the market fell flat, and 
it was ten years before the last of the lot was sold, but the total proceeds 
of the sales of that big lump were $125,000. The owners of the "Splen- 
did" presented Captain Earle with a $350 watch and a $70 chain for mak- 
ing the catch. The manner in which some of the lot was sold makes an 
interesting story as told by Captain Earle : 

William Elder, the owner of the "Splendid" to an extent of one- 
fourth of the ship, was a chemist, and he knew what the ambergris was 
worth, and he knew that it would flood the market to put out the 
immense lump all at once, so the lump was locked in a safe and it was 
kept for some time. But the secret leaked out, for the sailors talked 
about the great catch, and the owners began to try to dispose of it. Some 
of the ambergris was sold in Australia, a lump of ninety pounds being 
purchased by Young, Ladd & Coffin, while agents were started simul- 
taneously for London and New York. 

Some was sold in both places, and I remember that some of the 
ambergris sold in London was afterward bought by Dodge & Allcock in 
New York at $1.12 an ounce, something like 1,200 ounces. McKissing 
& Robbins, of New York, bought some of the catch at $1.00 an ounce. 
This was some of the very best part of the lump, and afterward this firm 
found the ambergris of such extra good quality that they told me that 
if I had any more or could get any more like the first lot they bought 
that they would give $50 an ounce. I didn't have the right quality then, 
and lost a chance to get a record price for ambergris. I had to work the 
stuff gingerl)' and would sell a little here and a little there, and finally 
when it didn't seem to sell very well, the owners wanted me to take the 
whole lot left and sell it on my own hook. I bought all that was left, 
some 1,600 ounces. 

The next year I went to San Francisco preparing to go north in a 
whaling vessel as master. I had the ambergris with me, and telegraphed 
to Leo Barnard that I wanted to sell the lump. I received word back 
that the agent of the firm would be sent on to see me. Lmet him in a 
short time at the Palace Hotel and he asked me what I would take for 
the ambergris. I told him it would be $13.50 for the lot of 1,600 ounces. 
He asked me if I would sell it by a small quantity, and I replied that I 
wanted to sell the lot, to clean it up, as I was going off on a whaling 



NEW BEDFORD 87 

cruise. "You wouldn't shade that price a little, would you," he asked me, 
and I was firm and said that I wouldn't. We had some more talk and it 
resulted in my giving him until the next morning at 10:00 a. m. to let me 
known what I was to expect from him as to whether he would buy the 
lot or not. 

The agent's name was Vilabon, and I met him the next mornmg, 
and he said that he had telegraphed to Barnard, and that the best that 
he would do was to pay me $9.75 an ounce for the ambergris. After 
leaving agent Vilabon, I immediately telegraphed to Ricksicer & Co., of 
New York, asking them if they wanted one hundred ounces of good 
quality ambergris'at $16.00 an ounce. Ricksicer goes over to see Bar- 
nard and asked him if he had anybody in San Francisco that was author- 
ized to sell him ambergris at $16.00 an ounce. I don't know just how 
Barnard got out of telling Ricksicer that I was there to sell ambergris, 
but agent Vilabon came flying to see me in a very short time, and was 
anxious to again open up negotiations for my lump of ambergris, and 
the result was that I sold him all I had at my price of $13.50 per ounce. 
The joke was too good to keep, and so I sold Vilabon what I had done 
and he showed me the telegram he had received from Barnard, which 
read as follows: "Close with that man at once at $13.50. He is trifling 
with our customers." 

While the "Splendid" lot of 872 pounds sold for $125,000 and aver- 
aged between $135 and $140 a pound, the average price received for all 
the ambergris caught during the time anything like an accurate record 
has been kept, will probably be $200 a pound. Since 1840 down to the 
present time the records show that 4,070 pounds have been accounted 
for. which at $200 a pound shows that the whalers have received $814,000. 

The record of catches of year follows : 

Pounds 

1841 — Brig America, Wareham '8 

1858 — Schooner Watchman, Nantucket ooo 

1864 — Schooner Walter Irvin, Provincetown 10 

i86q— Schooner Sarah E. Lewis, Boston 40 

1866— Bark Sea Fox, New Bedford 150 

1867 — Schooner Wm. Wilson, Marion o 

1867 — Trading vessel '^8 

,869— Ship Herald. New Bedford 70 

,870— Bark Elizabeth, Westport 208 

1878 — Bark Minnesota, New Bedford 10 

1878— Bark Adeline Gibbs, New Bedford '32^4 

1878— Bark Bartholomew Gosnold, New Bedford I2S 

1879 — Bark Letitia, New Bed ford 100 

,882— Bark Falcon, New Bedford 130 

188^— Schooner Orie M. Remington, Provincetown 7 

l88'^— Bark Splendid, Dunedin N. Z 9»3 

,884— Schooner George H. Phillips, Provincetown 01 

1885— Landed at New Bedford "' 

1886 — Schooner Antarctic, Provincetown 35 

1887 — Schooner Antarctic, Provincetown 25 

1887— Schooner Antarctic. Provincetown 214 

1888— Schooner Eleanor B Conwell, New Bedford 57 

and 22 pounds from another schooner. 

1889— Schooner Rising Sun, Provincetown 9Vs 

1889— Schooner Adelia Chase, New Bedford 15/2 

i88g — Two New Bedford schooners 4i 

1890 — Two lumps to New Bedford 21 J^ 



88 NEW BEDFORD 

1891 — Schooner Adella Chase, New Bedford 27 4-16 

1891 — Two other lots aggregating 13 i3-'6 

1892 — Bark Greyhound, New Bedford 40 

1892 — Schooner William A. Grozier, Provincetown 10 

1894 — Schooner Adelia Chase, Xew Bedford 128 

1899 — Bark C. W. Morgan, New Bedford 50 

1900 — Bark Morning Star, New Bedford 7 

l90i^Bark Morning Star, New Bedford 20 

1902 — Schooner Adelia Chase, New Bedford 11 

1905 — Schooner John R. Manta, Provincetown 12 

1906 — Bark Morning Star, New Bedford 3 

1906 — Schooner Adelia Chase, New Bedford 7 

1910 — Bark Plantina, New Bedford 10 

1910 — Schooner America, Cape de Verde Islands 7 

1910 — Schooners brought from Azores 200 

191 1 — Brig Viola, New Bedford 55 

191 1 — Bark Bertha, New Bedford 55 

1912 — Bark Bertha, New Bedford 4 

1913 — Bark C. W. Morgan, New Bedford n 

1913 — Bark Andrew Hicks, New Bedford 35 

1914 — Schooner A. E. Whyland, New Bedford 15 

1917 — Brig Viola, New Bedford 45 




CHAPTER XV. 
Whalemen's Experiences. 

A whaling tale from Captain S. A. Mosher, of the bark "Wanderer," 
of this port, reporting that his ship was rammed by a one hundred barrel 
whale that had stove two boats, brought from the closet an interesting 
record of the loss of the bark "Union," of Nantucket, which was sunk 
by the attack of a whale seven hundred miles from the nearest land. 
Walter S. Allen, grandson of Captain Edmund Gardner, of the "Union," 
has published a record of the event as written by Captain Gardner, and 
many who have read it found it possessed more than ordinary interest. 
A whaleman's tale is often either too matter-of-fact or too rosy, but Cap- 
tain Gardner treated the incident of the loss of the Union in a fascinat- 
ing manner. 

Captain Gardner was born in Nantucket in 1784, and when sixteen 
years old he sailed on a whaler. He sailed from Nantucket, September 
19, 1807, on his first voyage as master in command of the ship "Union," 
which was lost eleven days out. A whale rammed the ship in a vital 
spot, and the "Union" became a derelict in less than three hours. Cap- 
tain Gardner retired in 1S26 and came to the city to live. He died here 
in 1875, aged ninety-one years. Some of the older residents remember 
Captain Gardner as a fine example of the whaling captain of the early 
nineteenth century, and one recalls his part in the reception to King 
Kalakaua, of the Hawaiian Islands, during the visit of his majesty to this 
city, December 31, 1874. At noon Mayor George B. Richmond gave a 
reception at his home to the King, and the mayor invited over one hun- 
dred ship masters to meet the royal visitor. It was whaling that brought 
New Bedford in touch with the Hawaiian Islands, and the King knew 
New Bedford because of the visits of its whaleships. The spokesman 
for the shipmasters was Captain Edmund Gardner, who was the eldest 
among them, and it is to recall that his words of welcome to the King 
were spoken with the captain sitting at ease in his chair. It was none 
the less cordial on account of its informality. 

The loss of the "Union" has always been included in the whaling 
records as one of the casualties of whaling in which the whale was the 
successful hunter. The "Ann Alexander" and the "Kathleen" are other 
famous cases. Captain Gardner's version of the loss of the "Union," one 
hundred and five years ago the first day of this month, follows : 

Everything was hurrying up, being late, for the coast of Patagonia, 
and finally sailed on the 19th of the ninth month, 1807. Nothing par- 
ticular transpired until the 26th inst., when a severe gale from the west- 
ward commenced ; we scud under short canvas three days. At noon of 
the third day the wind moderated so that we spread more sail. The sea 
was high and running after us. At about 10 o'clock the wind veered 



90 NEW BEDFORD 

more free. I told my second officer to put another compass into the 
binnacle. He went down, got the compass, and was just coming from 
the gangway when the ship struck something heavily. The officer came 
near being thrown into the after hatchway, he catching by combings. 
I immediately went and looked over the stern of the ship, where I saw 
and heard a large whale spout twice. Sail was immediately taken in, 
for all hands were brought on deck by the concussion. The ship was 
brought to with the starboard bow to windward, hoping the wound 
would be out of water or partly so, at least. The pumps were set to 
work, our company twisting up casks to get down to the wound. In the 
meantime I went to the forepeak where shooks were stored, removed 
some of them, and got down to the place. The water had flowed so as to 
wash over the wo'und, or broken part. 'Twas ten feet from the stem and 
six feet below the wales. I readily perceived 'twould be useless to 
attempt to save the ship from filling with water. I had one man with me 
with a lanthorn. The outside plank, two timbers and ceiling plank were 
stove in. I sat down where I then was, and calmly made up my mind 
what was next to be done. Came to the conclusion to do all that could 
be done with the blessing of God to preserve the ship's company. 

Captain Gardner's tale relates how the crew left the ship in three 
whaleboats, with only bread and water for food, and successfully covered 
seven hundred miles over autumn Atlantic seas to the Island of Flores 
in the Azores, a perilous trip at best. Of this he wrote : 

Such was my anxiety and that of my company to find relief by some 
ship or vessel, that they saw many in the night. After calling to me, 
"Here is a ship," they could see her plainly. When I came to look and 
saw nothing, they could hardly be made to believe 'twas all imagination, 
and would then be quite disappointed. I had a Lascar sailor with me. 
The man had been in the ship on a previous voyage and talked broken, 
sometimes hardly intelligible. I had a young man with me that previ- 
ously had tried his hand making money, and by taking 6'4-cent pieces 
and manufacturing them into iz^A cents, passed them for the same. 
Amongst sailors anything that's disreputable is learned as it were by 
magic, and treasured up. While in boats, the Lascar said to the young 
man, "Well, Green boy, what think now, making nine penna out of four 
penna hap penna." The Lascar thought it was time to make up account. 

Captain Loum Snow, who was the father of the late president of the 
Five Cents Savings Bank, was the master of the "Ann Alexander." 
George Howland, Sr., was the agent of Captain Snow's vessel, which 
was named the "Ann Alexander" from an Irish friend who was travel- 
ing in this country. Following is an unembellished narrative of some 
of Captain Snow's experiences, as recorded in the archives of the Old 
Dartmouth Historical Society : 

Ship "Ann Alexander," of New Bedford, George Howland, agent; 
Loum Snow, master. 

1805, October 21 — Captain Snow, in command of ship "Ann Alex- 
ander," fell in off Cape Trafalgar with the English fleet a few days after 
the battle of Trafalgar between the English fleet and the fleets of France 
and Spain, which occurred October 20, 1805. The "Ann Alexander" was 
on a voyage from New York to Leghorn with a cargo of general mer- 



NEW BEDFORD 91 

chandise consisting of flour, tobacco, salt fish, lumber, etc. The Eng- 
lish fleet was repairing damages which had occurred during the battle 
with the combined fleets. 

The "Ann Alexander" had a deckload of lumber which was the per- 
sonal property of Captain Snow. An English officer boarded the "Ann 
Alexander" and informed Captain Snow that Lord Nelson had been 
shot through the shoulder and spine, and had died on board the "Vic- 
tory" a few hours after the battle was over, and that Lord Collingswood 
was the next senior officer in command. The English ships showed the 
effects of the battle, and their crews were at work repairing damages. 
The English officer returned to the "Victory," and soon returned with a 
request from Lord Collingswood that we would let him have some lum- 
ber, flour and apples. Captain Snow agreed, and soon boats from the 
different ships came alongside and were furnished with articles. The 
captain was paid for these goods in English gold by the fleet paymaster, 
who came on board and settled accounts. The "Ann Alexander" squared 
away for the Straits of Gibraltar, and on the following day came up with 
the new 74-gun frigate, "United States." They lowered a boat and came 
alongside. We gave them the news and sent to the commander ten bar- 
rels of apples. 

1806, December 26 — On a voyage from St. Ives, England, to Leg- 
horn, France, in ship "Ann Alexander," sailing from St. Ives, December 
26, 1806, Captain Snow had the following experiences: "On January 8, 
1807, they were captured by a Spanish privateer who took out the second 
mate and crew and manned her, and ordered her to proceed to Vigo, 
Spain. The next day the vessel was captured by an English man-of- 
war, who took out the crew and put aboard a prize crew of nine men and 
ordered the vessel to Gibraltar. On January 16, 1807, in the Gulf of 
Gibraltar, the vessel was again taken by a Spanish privateer and carried 
into Algiers. Previous to putting into Agiers, Captain Snow enrolled 
the English prize crew as his crew, and on arrival at Algiers was allowed 
by the "authorities to take possession of her and proceed on his voyage 
to Leghorn. 

On August 20, 1851, the "Ann Alexander," Captain James Deblois, 
was attacked by an infuriated sperm whale which had been made fast 
to by one of the' other boats which had been stove. This whale stove the 
bow of the "Ann Alexander," and she was sunk in the Pacific ocean, 
latitude 5-50 S., longitude 102-00 W. The captain and crew took to their 
boats and were picked up by another whaler, the ship "Nantucket." 

Although the ship "Essex," of Nantucket, was sunk by a whale in 
1819, the first report of the disaster to the "Ann Alexander" excited much 
scepticism in the newspapers of the country, and a report of the interest- 
ing controversy which arose is printed elsewhere in this edition. Five 
months after the incident the whale that wrecked the "Ann Alexander" 
was captured by the "Rebecca Simms," of this port. Two of the "Ann 
Alexander's" harpoons were found in the whale, and pieces of the ship's 
timbers were found imbedded in the whale's head. The whale yielded 
about seventy-five barrels of oil. In March, 1802, the bark "Kathleen" 
was struck by a whale when a thousand miles ofT the coast of Brazil, and 
sunk. The men took to the whaleboats and were subsequently picked 
up by a steamer. 



CHAPTER XVI. 
Old Log Books— A Thriller. 

The whaleman's log book is an interesting contribution to the litera- 
ture of whaling. Hundreds of volumes have been collected and depos- 
ited with the Free Public Library and Old Dartmouth Historical Society. 
The log was usually kept by the first mate, and the routine entry reads 
like this: "Remarks on Sunday, January the first. This 24 hours fresh 
wind from W. N. W. with hail and snow. At 6 in the morning set a 
close reefed fore top-sail. A sharp sea going," etc. Some of the log 
books offer an opportunity to collect the folk songs of the sailors, when 

Loud sang the souls of the jolly, jolly mariners, 
Plucking at their harps, and they plucked unhandily; 

Our thumbs are rough and tarred, 

And the tune is something hard — 
As we lift a deepsea chantey, such as seamen use at sea. 

The oldest log book in one of the largest collections in the city is 
dated 1769, and is rather more interesting than the average. The pen- 
manship is particularly good, much of it being in the engrossing hand 
of the period. This book comprehended the entire ship's library, it is 
likely. On the first page are the names of the planets, with some astro- 
nomical data. On following pages is copied a service for the burial of 
dead, a prayer to be used in a storm at sea, and a short prayer at the 
prospect of a storm. This book did service until 1771. The latter pages 
are given up to "Deepsea Chanteys." There is one entitled "Cupid's 
Recruiting Sergeant." Here is a sample verse of the sentiment which 
pleased the ancient mariner: 

Ye nymphs and ye swains who are youthful and gay. 
Attend to my song and be blest while you may. 
Lads and lasses, hither come, to the sound of the drum. 
I have treasure in store which you never have seen. 
Then haste, let us rove to the Island of Love, 
Where Cupid is captain and Venus is queen. 

The log does not give the latitude or longitude of the "Island of 
Love," or indicate that the vessel ever reached it. Then there is a ditty 
written by a member of the crew, "a young gentlemen who by much 
gaming came to poverty and went many a voyage to the sea." Then 
follows a long poem about Noah and the Ark, telling how the people 
had become past enduring "till Jove being wroth rose up in his anger 
and said he would suffer such miscreants no longer." 

So he from the windows of heaven did pour. 
Forty days, forty nights, one continuous shower. 
There was nothing to be seen but waters all round. 
And in this great deluge most mortals were drowned. 



NEW BEDFORD 93 

Sure never was seen so dreadful a sight, 
As to see this old world in such a sad plight, 
For here in the water all animals swimming, 
Men, monkeys, lawyers, cats, lapdogs and women. 
Sing derry down, down, down, down, derry down. 

Then there is an original version of William Taylor, whose lady 
fair followed him to sea in man's attire. This tale appears in many ver- 
sions in old log books. Eventually it formed the theme of the nautical 
comic opera, "Billee Taylor." "A new song in the year 1770" commences, 
"You gentlemen of England that lives at home at ease, O little do you 
think or know the danger of the seas." Then there are "Lines on read- 
ing Mr. Allen's book entitled : 'Alarm to the Unconcerned'," dated Sun- 
day, March 25, 1770. Then there is "A bold seaman's song," written in 
1769, entitled "Adieu to the Ladies of Lisbon." At the conclusion is the 
endorsement, "The end of a fine song. This song was wrote by Mr. 
Zadah Maxfield, of Dartmouth, in the County of Bristol, Mariner, 1769." 
And there is a song "Concerning Ships Sailing," and interspersed with 
the poetry are records of the loan and payment of money, and other 
transactions. 

During the palmv days of New Bedford's fascinating industry the 
records of thousands of voyages to all the seas of earth in search of 
whales, accumulated in the lofts and attics of the outfitters' establish- 
ments and the waste places in the office buildings of the whaling agents. 
As the ancient industry was put aside for the newer vocations of a chang- 
ing world, most of the old records found their way to the junk shops. 

The loss of the literature of the day when the whalemen went down 
to the sea in ships to search for the hugest monster is already a reproach 
to New Bedford people, and the newly organized Historical Society, as 
well as the Free Public Library, are now assembling such log books as 
escape the collectors, who are ofifering tempting prices. 

Yet the log book is almost invariably a disappointment, and the rec- 
ord of the most extraordinary achievements in discovery and adventure 
is a mere recounting of the wind and weather and the sail carried, "and 
so ends" repeated to utter weariness and exasperation. 

Occasionally, however, the reader is rewarded. Within the canvas- 
clothed board cover of a large volume which came to light the other day, 
bearing the device, "Remarks of a Whaling Voyage on Board Ship 
Junior, commanded by Archibald Mellen, Jr. Sailed July 21, 1857," the 
writer found the story of a famous tragedy of the seas. The written 
pages are few. The opening pages are devoted merely to the routine 
record of the direction of the wind, the condition of the sea, the fitting 
out of the whaleboats and the unsuccessful chase. 

On Christmas Day, which came on a Friday, the ship was in the 
vicinity of Fayal. The record of the day, transcribed in the writing of 



94 NEW BEDFORD 

the third mate, who kept the log to this point, is rather dreary and por- 
tentious in its closing. It is as follows : 

Lat. 37.58 S. Long. 166.57 E- Friday, Dec. 25, first part strong 
winds from the S\V. Steering NE by E. At sundown, shortened sail 
to main topsail .ind foresail. Middle part strong gale. Latter part heavy 
gale from southward. Lying-to at sundown, heading to the eastward. 
So ends. 

So, indeed, ended the day for the writer of this record. He was 
murdered that night, along with the captain ; the other mates were shot, 
and the very next entry, in a strange hand, is a confession of a horrible 
crime signed by a company of mutineers, while following is a graphic 
story by one who came back, almost from death itself, to write it. The 
confession was written by William Herbert, a marginal note states. It 
is in an engrossing hand which would be creditable to a bookkeeper. 
The statement follows : 

This is to testify that we, Syrus Plummer, John Hall, Richard Car- 
tha, Cornelius Burns and William Herbert, did, on the night of the 25th 
of December last, take the ship "Junior," and that all others in the ship 
are quite innocent of the deed. 

The captain and third mate were killed, and the second mate was 
wounded and taken prisoner at the time. The mate was wounded on the 
shoulder with the balls from a whaling gun, and at the time we fired we 
set his bed on fire, and he was obliged, for fear of suffocation, to take 
himself to the lower hold, where he remained until Wednesday after- 
noon. 

We could not find him before that, but we undertook a strict search 
and found him then. We promised his life and the ship if he would come 
out and surrender without any trouble and so he came out. Since he 
has been in the ship he has been a good officer and has kept his place. 
We agreed to leave him the greater part of the crew and we have put 
him under oath not to attempt to follow us, but to go straight away and 
not molest us. We shall watch around here for some time and if he 
attempts to follow us or stay around here, we shall come aboard and 
sink the ship. 

If we had not found Mr. Nelson the ship would have been lost. We 
are taking two boats and ten men and everything that we want. We did 
not put Mr. Nelson in irons on account of his being wounded, but we 
kept a strict guard on him all the time. 

We particularly wish to say that all others in the ship but we five 
aforesaid men are quite innocent of any part in the affair. 

(Signed) Cyrus Plummer, 
Witnesses: John H.\ll, 

Hugh Duff, Rich,\rd Cartha, 

Henry T. Lord, Cornelius Burns, 

Herman Grv\f. William Herbert. 

The following pages are in the writing of Henry Mason and dic- 
tated by Nelson Provost, the mate of the ship : 



NEW BEDFORD 95 

Friday, December 25, 1857. 

Shortened sail for the night and everything appeared as usual until 
one o'clock Saturday morning, when the cabin was attacked by the five 
men aforesaid. Cyrus Plummer shot the captain with a whaling gun 
containing three large balls. The balls went in at his left side, passing 
under his ribs, and came out at his right side, entering the side of the 
ship The captain sprang from his bed and exclaimed: "O, my God, 

what is this?" He was answered by Plummer: "G d you, it is 

me,'' who then seized the captain by the hair of his head (at the same 
time calling to his other men to "Up with those hatchets") and com- 
menced cutting him with his hatchet. After he had struck him three or 
four times he let him fall on the floor, and he (Plummer) went on deck. 
The mate was also shot by a whaling gun in the hands of John Hall, alias 
William Payne. 

I was fired upon at the same time the captain was. The charge from 
the gun went so close to my left cheek as to take some of the skin ofT and 
lodged in my left shoulder. It stunned me so that I knew nothing, but 
when I came to myself I sprang from my bed, exclaiming, "My God ! 
My God ! What is this?" and called for someone to come tp me. I said, 
"Steward, come here." The steward made haste to obey, but was met 
at the door by John Hall with cooper's ax raised (he had dropped his 
gun), and was told by him if he said a word he would cut him down. I 
then sung out, "Boy." The bo}' turned out and came to me with a light, 
and I told him to put the fire out in my berth, which was ablaze. Then 
I went into the second mate's room and saw the second mate dressing 
himself. I told him I was shot. He answered that he was shot, too. 
The third mate was on the deck, out of his berth, dying. I left him and 
went to the captain's stateroom. I was barefooted, not having taken 
time to dress myself. 

When I entered the captain's stateroom I found I was treading in 
blood. I sung out to the boy to bring a light. When the boy brought 
the light I saw the captain lying on the deck, dying. I raised his head 
and he breathed his last. I then opened his chest and took his pistol, 
revolver and loaded three shots. 

I determined to shoot the ringleader and sent the boy to tell the 
second mate to come to me. But neither returned. I then blew the 
light out and stood as long as I could without suffocation. I then 
thought I would leave and give them a chance to put the fire out. As I 
passed through the steerage I sang out, "Cooper." The cooper answered 
me, "Here I am." Then I sang out for several others to see how many 
I'd have to help me. But when I saw the ship on fire I thought it was no 
use to ask for help. 

I then sung out to the men to put the fire out and I would not hurt 
them. As I passed by I heard the second mate on deck asking for his 
life. I heard Plummer say, "Kill him," as I thought. When the men 
heard me sing out to put the fire out, they said : "Yes, you would like to 
get us down there. Come up or I'll shoot you." 

I felt faint and, being wounded, I thought I'd take a bung borer and 
go down in the lower hold and get some water, and also in hope of shoot- 
ing the ringleader. But I was two days without getting water or any- 
thing to eat. By that time my pistol was out of order. My thoughts 
were that I would live to get into port, and if they undertook to sell the 
ship I would come out and take her. But after I had been in the hold 



96 NEW BEDFORD 

five days they tound me and told me if I would come out that I should 
not be hurt and that I might have the ship. So I passed my pistol up, 
when I found, to my surprise, the second mate alive and in irons. 

I was almost dead. But they took me aft and wa'shed and dressed 
me. My shoulder, where I was shot, had mortified, but they had it 
dressed. They told me that all they wanted me to do was to take them 
where they wanted to go and I might have the ship. 

The third mate had the boarding knife run through him several 
times by Cornelius Burns, and after he had killed him Richard Cartha 
told him to get out of the way. And he (Cartha) struck at the second 
mate with another boarding knife, but it struck the berthboard. He then 
struck at him again, when the second mate caught the blade in his hand 
and bent the point of it over the berthboard. By that time I was out of 
my berth hallooing. Cartha then fired a pocket pistol at the second mate 
and shot him in the breast. All I knew before I took to the hold was 
that the captain and third mate were dead and that the second mate was 
=hot and wounded and I supposed he was killed after he went on deck. 
The remainder of the aforesaid testimony was told me after I was taken. 

The proceedings on deck as I was told : Between one and two 
o'clock Saturday morning the foremast hands not engaged in the mutiny 
were called from a sound sleep and were told by one of the gang that the 
ship was taken, that the captain, second and third mates were dead and 
that the first mate had stowed himself away. We were then made to 
come on deck and were made to arm ourselves with lances, harpoons, 
spades, axes and other things, and were made to stand at the fore, main 
and mizzen hatchways, watching for the mate. 

Just after we came on deck and had got to the try works the second 
mate came on deck and was made prisoner by the gang. Plummer then 
bound him and sent him to the forecastle and set a strict watch on him. 
All hands except two at each hatch were made to come aft and work at 
putting out the fire. After we had worked very hard for an hour or so 
we got the fire so much subdued that we could venture below. 

A couple of men were then sent below in the cabin and bent a rope 
on the captain's ankle, and some of the men on the deck hauled him up. 
A heavy chain was then made fast to him, and he was thrown overboard 
on the larboard quarter. 

After the fire was put out Plummer ordered the ship to head NNW, 
thinking he was steering for Cape Howe. He was steering a straight 
course for Lord Howe's Islands. After I was found I was told to steer 
for Cape Howe. Australia. I accordingly changed my course to SW by 
S. We made the land on Sunday, January 3, 1858. The same morning, 
Saturday, all hands were made to come on deck and throw the boat craft, 
the spades, spare irons, and, in fact, everything pertaining to whaling, 
overboard. Then they broke out the slops in the ship and all the stores, 
and hove casks of r3e and other things overboard. After that they went 
below to the calkin and broke out everything they could find — liquors, 
tobacco and everything else they could lay their hands on. All the stores 
and, in fact, everything in the ship useful for a whaling voyage were 
used or destroyed excepting bread and water. The clothing and the 
articles on board to recruit ship were destroyed. 

My proceedings in the hold from December 25 to December 30, 
1857: After telling the men to put out the fire (which were the last 
words I said) I started between decks to the lower hold. As I passed 



NEW BEDFORD 97 

the main hatch, Plummer raised the corner and threatened to shoot me. 
At that time the men were called aft to work. I heard them working, 
and supposed that they were all against me. I heard none speak except 
Plummer, Cartha and Hall. While the men were putting the fire out I 
came aft and raised the corner of the after hatch and went down into the 
lower hold. I crept aft to the run. While I was in the run they made 
the foremast hands go down between decks and break out the cask of 
powder. They were afraid to go themselves. After I saw no hopes of 
shooting the ringleader, I proceeded on to midships, on the starboard 
side. 

I suppose it was on the second day after I was shot. I then raised 
my hands to God and asked him to protect my soul. I almost choked 
with thirst. Then I said, "O God, wilt thou be so kind as to give me a 
little water?" As the ship rolled I heard a noise of water and found the 
bung out of a cask which was nearly full. Then I said, "How will I get 
it out?" I was in m)' drawers and had on a thick woolen shirt. Then I 
thought about taking a piece of my shirt collar and dipping it in the v(,'ater 
to suck. I moved away when I heard shooting on deck, and thought 
they were firing in the hold. I thought I saw lights and was frightened 
almost to death. 

As I crept further forward I lost my bung borer between the main 
and fore hatch, so I had nothing left but my pistols containing three 
loads. I found a cask of water and got a drink. I also found a cask of 
bread with the bung up. The bung being of soft wood I rubbed a hole 
through it with the sight of my pistol, not daring to pound on it for fear 
of making them hear me. There I lay. My feet had no feeling on 
account of cold. I tore a piece off my shirt and wrapped it around my 
feet and tried to sleep. 

I expected to be shot as soon as I went on deck, so I thought I would 
stay there and die. I thought I had been there three days and that I was 
getting along well. I had torn another piece ofif my shirt collar by which 
I could get water, and I could get bread out of the bunghole of the bread 
cask. The collar I made fast in my buttonhole for fear of losing it. 

The day they found me I asked them how long I had been in the 
hold. They told me five days. I thought I had only been there three. 

When I was in the hold I was as strong as a lion, but when I came 
on deck I could scarcely stand. While I was in the hold I could hear a 
kind of suction in my shoulder, and I knew that I was badly hurt. My 
shirt was cold and stiff with blood, and I shifted it around and put the 
soft side on the lame shoulder. When I got on deck I could not stand. 
I looked so bad they had pity on me. The foremast hands said if there 
had been another person with me they could not have told who it was, 
I was so much altered. My hair stood upright from fear of being shot. 
They took me aft. Cartha came up with a pistol cocked and a hatchet 
raised and struck me on the lame shoulder with the hatchet. He said he 
was going to shoot me. He made motions with his hatchet and said he 
would cut my nose off. 

Plummer told him to keep still and not shoot me, but he had hard 
work to hold him back. Plummer told me if I'd take them ashore where 
they wanted to go I should not be hurt, but might have the ship. "You 
never misused me," he said, "and I shan't shoot you." But my thoughts 
were that as soon as they made land they would kill me. My sufferings 



98 NEW BEDFORD 

were indescribable. They took me forward to the forecastle, and told me 
that Mr. Lord was all right. My heart was overjoyed. I was then sent 
aft, and Mr. Lord was kept forward in irons. They then made irons for 
me out of iron hoop, and made them so small that I could hardly get 
them on. The irons, were made of heavy iron hoop in the shape of an 
ox-bow, with an iron bolt running through, and a padlock on the end 
instead of a key. I then asked them to put them on my feet and not on 
my hands, on account of my shoulder. They then kept the irons olT, and 
let me free, thinking I'd have a better chance to navigate the ship. 

Nelson Provost, 
First officer of the ship "Junior" of New Bedford. 

There are but few more entries. The men left the ship in two boats, 
a number of the crew joining the ringleaders, and started for Cape Howe, 
Australia, twenty miles away. The "Junior" kept her course until out 
of sight, when she put about for Sydney, where the two mates received 
surgical attendance and reported the story of the tragedy. 

Eight of the mutineers were captured, and the "Junior" was con- 
verted into a prison ship to convey them to this country for trial. The 
after part of the ship was fitted with eight cages or cells, four on a side. 
The cages were built of colonial hardwood, with roof, sides and floors 
of iron. Each prisoner was manacled with leg irons and a guard of six 
men, in command of Mr. Reynolds, who was an officer in the Mexican 
Waf; was assigned to their care. There were loopholes between the 
guardroom and the cages, and if any attempt at escape was made they 
were to be shot. The prisoners were taken on deck in charge of an 
ofificer, one at a time, for air and exercise. The American Consul shipped 
a new crew to sail the vessel home. 

The trial commenced in the United States Court and was a famous 
one. Benjamin F. Butler defended Plummer. The defence was bad fare 
and cruel treatment on the part of the officers. Plummer was convicted 
of murder in the first degree and sentenced to be hanged. Three others, 
whose names were revised before pleading, were convicted of manslaugh- 
ter. They were William H. Cartha, William Herbert and Charles H. 
Stanley. Plummer was sentenced to be hanged on June 24, but mean- 
while some sympathy developed in consequence of the fact that in the 
end he saved two of the mates from the mutineers, and it was maintained 
that the disparity in the sentences was unjust. He secured a temporary 
reprieve and, finally, July 8. the President of the L^nited States remitted 
the sentence to imprisonment for life. Plummer died in prison. 




M(llil':i, (JF WHAJ.IO SHIP IN BOUH.NK \\ IIALIXG MUSEUM. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Whaling Memorials — The Crapo Monument, the Bourne Museum and 
the Barnard Monument. 

William W. Crapo fulfilled the dream of all the lovers of the immor- 
tal days when New Bedford carried the flag to all the seas of earth, that 
we might rear a fitting monument to the daring race of men who brought 
opulence and fame to the city through their perilous enterprise. The 
statue stands on Library square. The late Bela Pratt was the sculptor. 

Once it was decided to erect such a memorial, there could be no 
doubt in any mind regarding the subject of the design. "It is the har- 
pooner that makes the voyage." It is the harpooner who performs the 
task with the responsibility and the task with the thrill. "Nowhere in 
all America," said Melville, writing of the olden days, "will you find 
more patrician-like houses, parks and gardens more opulent, than in New 
Bedford. Whence came they? How planted upon this once scraggy 
scoria of a country? Go and gaze upon the iron emblematical harpoons 
round yonder lofty mansion and your question will be answered. Yes ; 
all these brave houses and flowery gardens came from the Atlantic, 
Pacific and Indian oceans. One and all they were harpooned and 
dragged up hither from the bottom of the sea. Can Herr Alexander 
perform a feat like that?" 

The harpooner is at the forefront of the whole desperate business. 
When the green hand first takes his place in a boat to go upon a whale, 
he is commanded to keep his eyes astern, so terrifying is the spectacle 
of the contest — a contest in which the harpooner is the dominant figure. 
If it is necessary for the harpooner to qualify further as to his impor- 
tance, let us quote from Melville once again : 

According to the invariable usage of the fishery, the whaleboat 
pushes of? from the ship, with the headsman or whale-killer as tempo- 
rary steersman, and the harpooner or whale-fastener pulling the fore- 
most oar, the one known as the harpooner-oar. Now it needs a strong, 
nervous arm to strike the first iron into the fish, for often, in what is 
called a long dart, the heavy implement has to be flung to the distance 
of twenty or thirty feet. But however prolonged and exhausting the 
chase, the harpooner is expected to pull his oar meanwhile to the utter- 
most ; indeed, he is expected to set an example of superhuman activity 
to the rest, not only by incredible rowing, but by repeated loud and 
intrepid exclamations ; and what it is to keep shouting at the top of one's 
compass while all the other muscles are strained and half started — what 
this is, none know but those who have tried it. For one, I cannot bawl 
very heartily and work very recklessly at one and the same time. In this 
straining, bawling state, then, with his back to the fish, all at once the 
exhausted harpooner hears the exciting cry, "Stand up, and give it to 



loo NEW BEDFORD 

him." He now has to drop and secure his oar, turn around on his centre 
half way, seize his harpoon from the crotch, and with what little strength 
may remain, he essays to pitch it somehow into the whale. No wonder 
taking the whole fleet of whalemen in a body, that out of fifty fair 
chances for a dart, not five are successful ; no wonder that so many hap- 
less harpooners are madly cursed and disrated ; no wonder that some of 
them actually burst their bloodvessels in the boat ; no wonder that some 
sperm whalemen are absent four years, with four barrels ; no wonder 
that to many ship owners, whaling is but a losing concern ; for it is the 
harpooner that makes the voyage, and if you take the breath out of his 
body how can you expect to find it there when most wanted. 

Having decided that it is the harpooner who fills the picture, the 
artist must next pick his type. If he is a lover of the whaling classic, 
there is recalled to his mind the dreadful Queequeg, who "eats nothing 
but steaks and likes 'em rare," or Daggoo, or Tashtego, the three saltsea 
warriors with the portentous appetites which barons of salt junk could 
not satisfy. But these are not typical of the glorious host of whalemen 
who made the fame of New Bedford — valorous, hardy, God-fearing men. 

The whalers of yesteryear, whom the sculptor honors and perpetu- 
ates, is the native-born — "A health to the native-born, stand up" — young 
men athirst for gain and glory in the fishery, "stalwart fellows who have 
felled forests and now seek to drop the axe and snatch the whale lance." 
The time was when the boys of New Bedford were fired by the deeds 
of the fathers, and aspired to be captains and heroes. This is the figure 
of youth who stands at the prow of the boat — looking forward. 

But while the sea warrior makes first appeal to the fancy, the men 
who built the ships, planned the voyages, financed them, took the risk, 
and made the flag familiar on all the seas of earth, were no less daring 
and extraordinary. The whaling industry was the greatest gamble that 
ever men ventured, and required no less sportsmanship on the part of 
the promoters ashore than upon the men who actually went down to 
the sea. 

A memorial was built and dedicated last year to the late Jonathan 
Bourne, the most successful of all the glorious host of New Bedford 
whaling merchants, by Miss Emily H. Bourne, a daughter. This memo- 
rial is no less unique than the industry or the man. The memorial has 
taken form in a splendid building in a historic neighborhood, on the crest 
of Johnny Cake Hill, for which the architect, Henry Vaughan, of Bos- 
ton, found his architectural inspiration in the old Salem custom house, 
made famous by Hawthorne. The cupola which surmounts the building 
is a reproduction of the cupola on the Salem custom house, and, sur- 
mounted by a vane in the design of a whaler, gives touch to the skyline 
which is appropriate, and prepares the visitor for the atmosphere which 
surrounds him upon his entrance to the building. The great feature of 
the memorial is a reproduction of Mr. Bourne's favorite ship, the 



NEW BEDFORD loi 

"Lagoda," which was the most successful of his great fleet. The feature 
is an evolution of an idea that has made appeal to the lovers of old New 
Bedford. The hope has often been expressed that one of the old square- 
rigged whaleships, of which only a few are left, might be preserved as 
a museum. The idea was vague and impractical, as such a vessel would 
be a constant care, and would deteriorate very fast, while it would be 
inaccessible to visitors at many seasons. Every time the suggestion was 
made, its lack of practicability has been demonstrated, but there was the 
germ of an idea which lingered. 

So, when Miss Bourne expressed her purpose to build a memorial to 
her father, the idea of reproducing a whaler again received attention 
The site for the building was selected in the rear of the museum of the 
Old Dartmouth Historical Society, which will be its custodian. This 
situation, as we have said, is most appropriate, on a hill near the water 
front, in that part of the old town where stands the Seaman's Bethel, an 
institution which was an active philanthrophy in whaling days. At first 
the idea of a building suggestive of a ship, with interior construction to 
conform and deck arrangement for the first floor, was considered. This 
was impracticable, and then the idea of a large model of a whaleship of 
the type of fifty years ago was presented to Miss Bourne and met her 
approval. The model grew in dimensions as well as in general appeal, 
and at length Miss Bourne added to her original land purchase, and a 
building covering greater area than was first proposed and of greater 
height was built to accommodate the replica of the ship. 

The traditions of New Bedford's history are woven on a colonial 
background, and to perpetuate this feeling the museum was designed in 
the Georgian style, the architecture which gave the colonial period to 
the colonies, and of which so many beautiful examples still exist in this 
city. The building is one hundred and eighteen feet long and fifty-seven 
feet wide ; from the ground to the top of the copper whaling ship, which 
swings lightly in the wind above the cupola the height, is ninety-six. 
The exterior is of red brick and limestone trimmings, with woodwork 
painted white to recall in general aspect the character of our public 
buildings of earlier times. The interior consists essentially of one large 
hall extending fifty feet from the entrance floor through two stories to 
the barrel-vaulted ceiling above. Around three sides of the great hall at 
the second floor level is a colonnaded gallery arranged for the reception 
of many exhibits of things pertaining to the whaling industry ; from this 
gallery one may also get a closer view of the rigging and top gear of the 
large whaling ship which is the chief centre of interest within the build- 
ing. 

Edgar B. Hammond, who was selected to make the plans for the 
model, found many problems, which he attacked with enthusiasm. The 
"Lagoda" has been reproduced in half-size. The model's length from 



I02 NEW BEDFORD 

her figure head to the tip of her stern is fifty-nine feet, and the measure- 
ment from the end of her flying jibboom to the end of her spanker-boom 
will be eighty-nine feet. Her mainmast is fifty feet in height. The bow- 
sprit is fifteen and a half feet long, the fore and main yards twenty-eight 
feet long. The problem of Mr. Hammond can be partly imagined when 
it is considered that there must be special blocks, special metal work, 
chain plates, hawser pipes, chocks, windlass, manrope, stanchions, bob 
stayed eyes, pumps, davits, whale boats, rudder hangings and steering 
wheel. 

The first of Mr. Hammond's difficulties came from the fact that 
there was no model or photograph of the "Lagoda" in existence. Her 
measurements were found at the custom house, and it was known she 
was a flush deck vessel, and very similar in all points to the whaling 
bark "Charles W. Morgan," which now lies mouldering at our wharves, 
excepting that she was provided with a billet head bow in which the 
lines of a tub were more closely followed than in the "Morgan." Mr. 
Hammond found Captain Edward D. Lewis, who commanded the 
"Lagoda" on three voyages, living at Utica. Mrs. Lewis, the wife of 
the captain, sailed on three voyages in the whaler, spending ten years 
of her life aboard the vessel. Captain and Mrs. Lewis were able to 
supply Mr. Hammond with voluminous information as to the details of 
the bark's rig — she was unusual in having carried a spencer, for example 
— the arrangement of her deck and cabin. Mr. Hammond spent days in 
hunting up and interviewing at everj' stage of the work, old whalemen 
and artisans who knew the "Lagoda." He even took the chance of sub- 
mitting the rigging and sail plans to a group of old whaling masters for 
their O. K. Anybody who knows the critical spirit of the old whalemen 
will realize what a test Mr. Hammond chose to apply to his work. The 
storj' is told that when that combination of artists. Von Beest, William 
Bradford and Robert Swain GifFord, prepared the sketch of the paintings 
for the whaling prints of "The Chase," "The Conflict" and "The Capture, ' 
they pasted their sketch on a piece of cardboard, leaving a very wide 
margin, and left it where whalemen were wont to assemble, with the 
request that they write criticisms of anything that was inaccurate. The 
whalemen covered the margin with criticisms and asked for more mar- 
gin. The artists commenced to make alterations in the picture, but, dis- 
covering that the whalemen did not agree with each other more than 
with the artist, the latter published their print for better or worse. 

The old artisans who worked on whaleships, like the ships, have 
largely gone to their last port. There are few men left, skilled in any 
branch of whalescraft. Mr. Hammond found representatives, however, 
and summoned them to his aid. William H. Crook, a master ship- 
builder, who worked on the "Lagoda" at various times, aided Mr. Ham- 



NEW BEDFORD 103 

mond, and had general oversight of the work. Several ship carpenters 
were found and employed by Mr. Sistare. 

The "Lagoda" carried seven whale-boats. They were half-size, and 
built by Joshua Delano, an old whaleboat builder. Other boatbuilders, 
if provided with designs, might build a whaleboat that would defy detec- 
tion, but no New Bedford whaleman would venture in them. Building 
whaleboats in San Francisco was tried at the time when New Bedford 
sent a fleet into the Arctic from that port, but the whalemen would not 
use them, and the home product was eventually shipped across the con- 
tinent, as whaleboats have been forwarded to the isles of the seas when 
a ship has lost her boat. Often a vessel has lain idle in a foreign port 
for many months, awaiting a shipment of boats. This idea has followed 
through the whaling business from the beginning. No whaleman would 
ever use a tub line that was made anywhere outside the New Bedford 
cordage works. Possibly other cordage manufacturers could make a 
piece of rope just as strong and fine. But a bowhead whale worth ten 
thousand dollars might be held by that rope. The whalemen knew the 
New Bedford company's rope could be trusted ; they didn't know any- 
thing about the other manufacturer, and they never took tlie chance. 
The other day a whaleman down south sent to Ed. Cole, a Fairhaven 
whalecraftsman, for ash poles for his harpoons. He might have found 
ash poles nearer his destination, but how could he know they were right 
and trustworthy unless they met the approval of a whaling expert? 
Briggs & Beckman made the sails and Frank Brown the whaling guns, 
harpoons and paraphernalia. Men who have built try works built those 
on the ship and special bricks were made to afford the right proportions. 

Jonathan Bourne, for whom this memorial is built, was born in 
Sandwich, Massachusetts, March 25, 1811, and at the age of seventeen 
came to this city, where he entered the store of John B. Taylor, remain- 
ing there nine months. Then he went back to Sandwich, spent the win- 
ter at school, and, returning in the spring, was employed by John Web- 
ster in his store under the Mansion House. He continued there as clerk 
and proprietor until 1848, when he opened the offices in the stone build- 
ing on Merrill's Wharf, which he occupied until his death, August 7, 
1889. He was an alderman of the city five years, from 1848 to 1852; was 
a member of three national Republican conventions ; a member of the 
executive council for five years, serving under Governor George D. Rob- 
inson in 1884, 1885 and 1886, and Governor Oliver Ames in the years 
1887 and 1888. Mr. Bourne was married, on December 2, 1834, at Fair- 
haven, by Rev. William H. Taylor, to Emily Summers Howland, daugh- 
ter of John and Mercy Nye Howland, who died May 12, 1909, at the age 
of ninety-five. The children were Emily Howland Bourne; Annie G. 
Bourne, who married Thomas G. Hunt; Helen Church Bourne, who 
married William A. Abbe; Hannah Tobey Bourne, who married Mr. 



I04 NEW BEDFORD 

Abbe, after the death of his first wife ; Elizabeth L. Bourne, who married 
Henry Pearce ; and Jonathan Bourne, Jr. Of these children there are 
three now living — Miss Emily H. Bourne, Mrs. Elizabeth L. Pearce, and 
Jonathan Bourne, Jr. The latter has served as United States Senator 
from Oregon. 

Benjamin Baker, who entered the employ of Mr. Bourne in 1880 
and remained with him until the close of his service, still occupies the 
old counting rooms, where he carries on the affairs of the estate. Mr. 
Baker has spent his leisure time in preparing a record of Mr. Bourne's 
connection with the whaling industry, a record of great and permanent 
historical value and the writer is indebted to Mr. Baker's record for the 
facts which follow: 

Mr. Bourne's first venture in the whaling business was the bark 
"Roscoe." of two hundred and thirty-five tons, which made her first 
voyage for him under command of Captain Robert Brown, sailing Mav 
26, 1836, on a South Atlantic voyage, and returning April 9, 1837, with 
a catch of ninety-two barrels of sperm, 1,033 barrels of whale, and 11,674 
pounds of bone. There were twenty-two in the vessel, and all but three 
were Americans. 

In May, 1880, Mr. Bourne was agent for twelve vessels engaged in 
vi'haling, with none at home, as follows : Schooner ''Abbie Bradford," 
Captain Murphy, Hudson Bay; bark "Adeline Gibbs," Captain Besse, 
Atlantic ocean ; bark "Alaska," Captain Fisher, Pacific ocean ; bark 
"Draco," Captain Reed, Atlantic ocean ; bark "Eliza," Captain Kelley, 
Pacific ocean; bark "George and Mary," Captain Baker, Hudson's Bay; 
bark "Hunter," Captain E. B. Fisher, North Pacific ocean ; bark 
"Lagoda," Captain E. D. Lewis, Pacific ocean ; bark "Napoleon," Cap- 
tain Turner, Pacific ocean ; bark "Northern Light," Captain Mitchell, 
North Pacific ocean ; bark "President," Captain Chase, Atlantic ocean ; 
bark "Sea Breeze," Captain Barnes, North Pacific ocean. 

"During the fifty-three years Mr. Bourne was in the whaling busi- 
ness," Mr. Baker Says, "his agency covered twenty-four vessels, with a 
tonnage of 7,461, and he had interests in twenty-two others of 7,421 tons, 
a total of 14,882 whaling tons. His average ovvership of 57.47 per cent, 
in the twenty-four vessels managed by himself equalled an entire owner- 
ship of nearly fifteen vessels, and his ownership elsewhere brought his 
total whaling ownership to the equivalent of more than seventeen ves- 
sels. The twenty-four vessels managed by Mr. Bourne made one hun- 
, dred and forty-eight voyages, covering 4,421 months, an average per 
voyage of 29.9 months, while the average catch per voyage of each vessel 

was barrels sperm oil, 1,136 barrels whale oil, 12,504 pounds of 

whalebone. The total sales of catch of the twenty-four vessels man- 
aged at different times by Mr. Bourne, although not entirely owned by 
him, aggregated $7,986,103.08." 




'I'H K I lAKi'i II ISK\: 



NEW BEDFORD 105 

The bark "Lagoda," which was, as has been stated, Mr. Bourne's 
favorite ship, was a vessel of 371.15 gross and 352 net tons, 107.5 ^^^t in 
length, 26.8 feet beam, and 18.3 feet deep, and was built in Scituate, Mas- 
sachusetts, in 1826, by Seth and Samuel Foster. She was of billet head, 
square stern, and two decks. She was probably built for the merchant 
service. Mr. Bourne bought her in Boston, August 3, 1841. In i860 he 
changed her rig from that of a ship to a bark. The "Lagoda" arrived 
home June 3, 1886, under command of Captain E. D. Lewis, and on July 
10 of that year was sold by Mr. Bourne to John McCullough for $2,475, 
who in turn sold her to William Lewis and others, who continued her in 
the whaling business, the vessel sailing from this port May 10, 1887, for 
the Arctic. She was condemned as unseaworthy August 7, 1890, at 
Yokohama, Japan, Theodore A. Lake then being in command. The net 
profits of twelve voyages made by this vessel, covering a period from 
November 25, 1843, to July 10, 1886, were $651,958.99. During these 
voyages her masters were Edmund Maxfield, Henry Colt, James Finch, 
Asa S. Tobey, B. B. Lamphier, John D. Willard, Zebedee A. Devoll, 
Charles W. Fisher, Stephen Swift and Edward D. Lewis (three voy- 
ages). 

Of the ten most successful whaling voyages made by Mr. Bourne's 
vessels, the bark "Lagoda" made two, one taking fifth rank in the list, 
and the other tenth. The first of these two voyages was one of forty-six 
months to the Pacific ocean in 1864-1868, with Captain Charles W. 
Fisher in command : The value of this voyage was $200,755.68 ; average 
catch per month, $4,364.25 ; average catch per day, $145.47 : average catch 
per hour, $6.06. The second of the voyages was one of forty-four 
months, also to the Pacific ocean, in 1860-1864. under Captain Zebedee A. 
Devoll, when the value of the voyage was $138,156.19; average catch per 
month, $3,139.91 ; average catch per day. $104.66: average catch per hour, 
$4.36. On one voyage only in the xessel's history was there a loss, 
$14,460.47. 

Mr. Baker states that Mr. Bourne was particularly careful in the 
selection of the men who should have charge of his vessels, upon whom 
he must depend for good results. It was necessary to entrust a whaling 
master with a vessel and outfits worth from $40,000 to $60,000, with 
which the master could do as he pleased at the first foreign port reached. 
When one of his whaling masters was called by Mr. Bourne into his 
inner office to receive final instructions, Mr. Bourne said to him. "Cap- 
tain, eternal vigilance is the price of success." This was the method Mr. 
Bourne himself applied in all his transactions, and provided against 
every known risk. This, Mr. Baker declares, was the real secret of many 
a venture of Mr. Bourne's which others attributed to "luck." 

Mr. Baker found on the office pay-rolls one hundred and one ship 
carpenters, eighteen caulkers, twenty-one spar-makers, twenty riggers, 



io6 NEW BEDFORD 

sixty-five sailmakers, thirteen stevedores, eight ship-keepers, eleven 
coopers, three gaugers, four oil-fillers and seven whalebone cleaners and 
bundlers. With the passing of the whaling industry their occupation 
has gone. A few men have survived the occupation, but in a few years 
there will be nothing left to remind the people of New Bedford of their 
ancient glory excepting the statue on the square, the Bourne Memorial, 
and the log books, records and exhibits in the Old Dartmouth Historical 
Society and Free Public Library. 

Still another memorial w^as that given a few years ago by George 
D. Barnard, of St. Louis, who died in 191 5. It commemorates the de- 
velopment of the city from a whaling to a manufacturing city. Zolnay, 
of Washington, was the sculptor. The memorial is located at Button- 
wood Park. Mr. Barnard was born in New Bedford, in 1846, spent his 
bo3^hood here, and attended the public schools. He was employed at 
Parson's bindery on Union street. Shortly after the Civil War ended he 
went west, and there rapidly rose to the head of the firm of George D. 
Barnard & Co., manufacturing stationers. In 1908 he founded the St. 
Louis Skin and Cancer Hospital, to which he gave $200,000. He was one 
of the original committee of two hundred in charge of the World's Fair 
in St. Louis. He was also interested in other St. Louis enterprises. In 
1874 he married Mary L. Tindall, of Alton. Illinois. Mr. Barnard made 
several bequests to the city in his will. 




i:a i;.x ai:i > ak i.xi ai iont 



CHAPTER XVIII. 
Pen Pictures of Typical Whalemen. 

Captain Ahab ordered the entire whaleship's company aft, Melville 
relates, as the voyage was commencing. 

"What do ye do when ye see a whale, men?" 

"Sing out for him," was the impulsive rejoinder from a score of 
clubbed voices. 

"Good !" cried Ahab with a mild approval in his tones, observing the 
hearty animation into which his unexpected question had so magneti- 
cally thrown them. 

"And what do ye next, men?" 

"Lower away, and after him." 

"And what tune is it ye pull to, men?" 

"A dead ivhale or a stove boat!" 

That song which the whaleman sang as he drove his boat upon the 
whale, embodies the spirit which dominated the men of New Bedford 
and brought prosperity. 

"A Dead IVhalc or a Stoi'e Boat!" — This phrase is emblazoned on the 
monument we have built to the whaleman. It should be inscribed in the 
school room and on the wall of the bed chamber of the youth of New Bed- 
ford. This was the impulse which led the whaleman to do brave deeds 
and take many risks for a chance of success, so that all history cannot 
point to an enterprise prosecuted with greater courage, hardihood and 
intelligence. Where the adoption of such a glowing, slashing, inspiring, 
do-or-die, spirit-stirring motto might still lead our youth, if it was 
adopted into our precepts, we love to consider. 

Honor has been done the whalemen as a class. It is quite worth 
while to present a few sketches of individuals whose lives are typical of 
the school that created our fortunes in that fascinating industry which 
makes our past unique. We would like to emphasize the story of a race 
of men with a few details of the experience of those who sailed "free 
voyages to all the seas of the earth" and accepted strange adventures 
and hairbreadth escapes as a part of the day's work. These narratives 
present the essential characteristics of the New Bedford whaling master. 
One group of captains serves almost as well as another, for there is 
scarcely one whose experiences are not equally eventful. 

Captain Charles H. Robbins, who passed over at the age of eighty- 
one, was an American down to the feet — Lemuel Robbins his father, and 
Rachel Robbins his mother. The former died when Charles was nine 
years old, and the boy parted with school at the age of twelve, for there 
were nine sisters and two brothers to be supported. At that age the boy 



io8 NEW BEDFORD 

sought an opportunity to ship, but he was declared by the agents to be 
too young and he worked at the lever of the old hand press in "The Mer- 
cury'' office, and carried papers for three years. When he was fifteen, 
however, he shipped on the ship "Swift," without his mother's knowl- 
edge, although she subsequently gave her consent. The ship was to sail 
on February i, but the vessel was frozen in at the dock. Fearing deser- 
tions the captain ordered the men to saw a channel through the ice, and 
for ten days she was frozen in off Clark's Point, with the lonesomest boy 
in the world on board. 

At length the ship sailed away in February, 1837, and thereafter 
Robbins lived more stories than all the writers could invent. He visited 
isles of the Pacific which civilization had never touched. In proof of the 
claim that he encountered the heathen in his utter blindness, the captain 
used to affirm that not only were they cannibals, but they had no knowl- 
edge of any kind of intoxicating liquor. It was August, 1841, after an 
absence of fifty-four months, before the boy came back. He went away 
a stripling weighing ninety-six, and when he came home he weighed one 
hundred and sixty and had to be introduced to his sisters. 

He received one hundred dollars and a suit of clothes for four and a 
half years' work and in a few weeks he sailed again, this time as boat- 
steerer on the "Balaena." He was gone nearly four years, adding to the 
store of novel experiences which filled his life. While cruising down the 
line one day his vessel picked up a canoe containing eight persons. Kana- 
kas, who turned out to be the royal family of Ascension. There had been 
a revolution and the king and queen and princes had been cast adrift 
literally as well as practically. The Kanakas did these things half a cen- 
tury ago, more humanely than the enlightened nations of the earth, 
cxampli gratia, Servia. now rid themselves of their rulers. One of the 
princes had a wound in his shoulder where a shark had seized him when 
he jumped overboard to capture it for food. 

The ship took eighteen hundred barrels of sperm this voyage, and 
when the captain reached home he married. Two months later he was 
at sea again as mate of the "Balaena." On the Peru grounds smallpox 
broke out on board the ship, several of the crew died. Robbins had a 
light attack of the disease, and finally left the ship at Payta and reached 
home after a year and a half to greet his wife and sail again in a few 
weeks as mate of the bark "Hope." To the Indian ocean he sailed this 
time and was gone two years and a half. Arriving home in May, 1850, 
he sailed four or five months later as master of the same vessel. He was 
gone thirty months this voyage. His next voyage as master of the bark 
"Elisha Dunbar" was a broken one and he returned ill, but sailed again 
in the "Clara Bell" and added thirty months more to his life on the ocean 
wave. 

In 1859 Captain Robbins sailed in command of the bark "Thomas 



NEW BEDFORD 109 

Pope" on a four years' voyage, and this time he took his wife and chil- 
dren with him. The vessel was struck by a hurricane in the Mozambique 
channel, her masts were torn out, the mizzen mast tearing out the sky- 
light so that the water rushed into the cabin. The vessel lay on her 
beam ends, and the captain's wife and little children clung to the weather 
side. An officer fell on his knees and prayed for the safety of his wife 
who was at home. Since his wife was safe and sound ashore, Mrs. Rob- 
bins suggested it would be more to the purpose to pray for those about 
him who were in extremity. When the storm abated jury masts were 
rigged and the crippled ship drifted into Mauritius. All the whaleboats 
were lost and none could be procured nearer than New Bedford. So the 
ship waited nine months for the boats. A child was born to Captain 
Robbins on this voyage. 

So the story runs. Once his ship was struck by a meteor. At 
another time he was for months in a leaking ship. One day a bomb gun 
exploded and tore the mate's hand. Put to the shifts, Captain Robbins 
amputated it and subsequently was complimented by a professional sur- 
geon upon doing a skillful job. We but touch upon the continued haz- 
ards, here and there, to remind this generation of the men who made 
a history which thrills the world. 

And what manner of man was Captain Robbins, whom we bring to 
mind as a type of the New Bedford whaleman? That he was a courage- 
ous valorous man, a man of hardy daring, we need not say, but withal he 
was a gentle, kindly, conscientious God-fearing man, excelling in char- 
acter. It is the combination of these qualities which makes it our espe- 
cial pride to cherish the example of these veterans of the sea. 

We never tire of telling the story of Captain George Fred Tilton. In 
1898 the whaling fleet was caught in the ice pack off Point Barrow, in the 
Arctic ocean. Every plan which could be devised to reached open water 
was resorted to and failed. There was a lack of supplies and the whale- 
men appreciated that unless help came before the arrival of the fleet the 
following summer all would perish. Thereupon Tilton filled his pockets 
with crackers and, with the Arctic night closing in upon him, he walked 
three thousand miles to civilization and carried the message he had 
promised to deliver. 

On his last voyage to the Arctic in 1904 the steam whaler he com- 
manded lost her propeller as she was about to enter the Arctic, but Cap- 
tain Tilton slammed her through the ice pack under sail and brought out 
a rich cargo of oil and bone. 

Then there is the story of his besting Joe Choyinski, which is told 
to every New Bedford man who visits San Francisco, and of his winning 
the horse race at North Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard. They make an 
interesting group of tales "of most disastrous chances, of moving acci- 



no NEW BEDFORD 

dents by flood and field and hair-breadth 'scapes," and they are all worth 
the telling. 

It was in 1898 th^t Captain Tilton performed the feat which none of 
the more famous Arctic explorers would have dreamed of attempting 
under similar circumstances. That year Captain Tilton was mate of the 
"Belvedere." There were eight vessels in the fleet that season and in 
October they were assembled ofif Point Barrow, which is usually the 
farthest northing the whaleships make. The vessels were caught in the 
pack, which is nothing unusual, as the northwest wind which breaks up 
the pack is almost a certainty at this season. The westerly wind blew 
unshifting and the vessels were gripped in the ice on the east shore, 
within a hundred feet of each other, the "Belvedere," "Jessie H. Free- 
man," "Orca," "Rosario," "Genie," "Newport" and "Fearless," and, far- 
ther to tlie westward and in a safe position, the "Wanderer." Every day 
was an anxious one. One night the crew of the "Jessie H. Freeman" 
was awakened by the splitting of the ship, and the company of forty- 
nine men had barely time to jump for the ice before she was crushed to 
a pulp. The crew reached the "Belvedere," and a few hours later the 
captain and fifty-five of the crew of the "Orca" appeared, their ship hav- 
ing encountered a fate similar to that of the "Freeman." 

Various schemes to reach the open water were considered. Then, 
experiments in blowing a path to the sea were tried, but accomplished 
nothing. Communication with Point Barrow established the fact there 
were no supplies to be obtained there. The other ships were reported with 
inadequate provisions to last through the winter, and the "Belvedere" 
could furnish her augmented ship's company with but two rations a day. 
It was apparent there were not supplies sufficient to keep the men alive 
until assistance in the natural order of things arrived the following July. 
Then it was that Tilton offered to attempt to reach civilization. The 
suggestion was flouted by all the captains. "But it is our only hope," 
said Tilton. "We cannot survive without assistance until summer. I 
have a fighting chance if I go and scarcely that if I remain. If any one 
can make the trip, I can." 

The latter was a conceded point, and after long consideration the 
captains gave a reluctant consent to Tilton's proposition. A letter was 
given Tilton to those in charge of the shore whaling station at Point Bar- 
row, and there he was given the best outfit the station afforded, a sled 
drawn by eight young dogs and two Indian runners. The sled was fitted 
with a sail to ease the work of the dogs when the wind was fair. Such 
provisions as could be spared, principally hard-tack, were given him, a 
map and compass, a gun and cartridges and a tent. The start was made 
October 27 and all the crews assembled to bid him farewell. There were 
few who did not believe he would perish in one of the fierce northern 
blizzards which rage for days in that zone. The men cheered him until 



NEW BEDFORD iii 

he was lost to sight. Tilton had little to guide him and no relief from the 
responsibility, for the Indians could speak no English. 

The first day's journey was most encouraging. Twenty-eight miles 
were traveled, but the performance was not repeated. A storm raged 
the next day and the men remained in their sleeping bags. The third day 
Tilton lost his axe, which was invaluable in making paths and in cutting 
fuel. They subsequently found a knife in a deserted Indian village, 
which served the purpose. The coast was followed as closely as possi- 
ble. Tilton's feet and hands were frozen. On the twelfth day from the 
ship, the shelter tent was lost and the sled afforded their only protection 
from the storms. The fierce winds in the mountains of Cape Lisburne 
blew them from the path. On the fifteenth day the provisions gave out. 
A few frozen fish were found, but the dogs were killed one by one as food 
for the others. After days of starvation a village at Point Hope, six hun- 
dred miles from the starting point, was reached. Here food was secured 
in small quantity. The Indian runners deserted, but an Indian and his 
wife volunteered to go on. Twenty-nine days more of suffering. And 
then another village was reached. Many days a single frozen fish was 
all there was to eat. 

Eventually Tilton reached St. Michaels and found the Jarvis expedi- 
tion, bound north, furnishing the latter with valuable information. For 
months thereafter the little company wandered in the wilds of Alaska, 
always on the verge of starvation and freezing, until Kotzebue sound 
was passed and on March 22 the Kodiak Islands were reached. A month 
later the party arrived at San Francisco. If Tilton had been a profes- 
sional explorer the world would have acclaimed this marvellous achieve- 
ment and he would have been celebrated in books. Tilton expected noth- 
ing of it, made nothing of it and reshipped for another whaling voyage. 

In 1904 Captain George Fred Tilton was in command of the steam 
whaler "Belvedere." The voyage had alternated in ill and good luck 
from the start. The "Belvedere" sailed from San Francisco, March 2, 
and a week later one of the crew fell ill with smallpox. He was isolated, 
but returned to duty, and Captain Tilton's anxiety was just relieved 
when another sailor was taken down. He recovered likewise and again 
the entire crew reported for duty. Then the ship banged into Behring 
Strait earlier than any ship had accomplished the same feat, only to be 
frozen in for two weeks. On the 17th a smashing big bowhead whale 
was taken, yielding 2,906 pounds of bone, worth more than $10,000 at 
present prices, and then came the crippling of the ship. 

Some captains might have been discouraged at the thought of sail- 
ing through the menacing leads in the ice pack at the mercy of the freak 
of the winds. Such navigation is dangerous enough with the steam 
auxiliary to assist the ship out of a tight place, but to maintain control 
over a steamship with sail power means that the safety of the crew and 



112 NEW BEDFORD 

ship will be menaced every minute during the three or four months the 
vessel remains in the Arctic. Captain Tilton accepted the hazard and 
returned home in the fall with a profitable season's catch to his credit. 
He has been doing hazardous and successful things even unto this day. 

Captain George O. Baker might have been a king, as this story will 
tell, or an admiral in the Confederate navy, "but in spite of all tempta- 
tions to belong to other nations" he remained a citizen of the United 
States. 

Captain Baker's family has a village named for it — Bakerville— a 
part of the township of Dartmouth, a suburb of New Bedford. He was 
born there in 1837, and he went to sea when he was but thirteen years 
old- — whaling was his occupation for forty years and most of that time 
he was master of a whaleship. His first experience as captain was an 
exciting one, his ship being burned by the Confederate cruiser "Shenan- 
doah."' His ship was the "Edward Cary." A few years before his death, 
Captain Baker said to the writer: 

The "Edward Cary" was one of the first whalers to sail from San 
Francisco. It was in June that we sailed for a short cruise for sperm 
whales. We ran down to the equator, west of Ascension, and never saw 
a spout, so I made harbor to recruit, reaching an anchorage March 28. 
At Ascension I found the "Hector," Captain Amos Chase, of New Bed- 
ford ; the "Pearl," of New London, Captain Edwin P. Thompson, also of 
New Bedford, and the "Herbert," Captain Eldridge, of Honolulu, sailing 
under the German flag. Three days later we sighted a steamer on the 
weather edge of the island, fifteen miles out, and coming slowly to where 
we lay. We took her to be a merchantman, and having no suspicions, a 
party of us, including all the captains, left our ships for the day to visit 
a friend at Hadley's Harbor, eight miles distant. We returned to our 
vessel at about four o'clock in the afternoon and were surprised to find 
the steamer we had seen in the morning, anchored near the "Harvest." 
"What is she?" asked Captain Davis. "Russian, I guess," said I. Mean- 
while a lieutenant from the steamer was equally curious. "What boat is 
that?" he hailed. "The 'Harvest'," replied Captain Eldridge. "You will 
report on board the Confederate steamer. You are wanted," said the 
lieutenant. "Chase, you're a goner," said I. "That's the Confederate 
steamer "Shenandoah'." Now Chase was spunky and he persisted he 
would fight first, but we calmed him down and went aboard the "Shenan- 
doah," where we were all placed under guard. I was taken with the rest, 
and after answering a few questions, Captain Waddell said, "Your ship 
is confiscated to the Confederate government." I was ordered placed in 
irons, but was permitted to remain to hear my comrades put through the 
ordeal. When poor little Chase, boiling with indignation and full of grit, 
was ordered in irons, he said: "Well that's pretty quick done." "None 
of your impertinence to an officer of the Confederate navy," said Captain 
Waddell. "Fm not impertinent, but it's pretty quick done, just the 
same," said Chase. Tiiereupon he was double ironed and ordered gagged, 
but the officer to whom he was turned over let up on him and he was not 
gagged. 



NEW BEDFORD 113 

We were marched to the topgallant forecastle, where our officers 
were confined, and seventeen of us lived in this hole. Our crews had 
been put ashore excepting a few who agreed to sail on the "Shenandoah." 

After we had been confined for a week Captain Waddell sent for me. 
Now I had been cheerful all through and the captain was pleased to 
approve my disposition. I was ushered into the wardroom by the master 
of arms. My irons were taken off and I came within an ace of being 
started on a career as admiral. "Baker," said Waddell, "this is no place 
for you — aboard here and in irons." "That's true enough, captain," said 
I, "but I have been unable to avoid the situation." "Take a drink," said 
the captain, "and join the ship." 

I prolonged the good time I was having until the captain grew im- 
patient. He oft'ered me a place in the wardroom at $125 a month. "I'll 
'^leep on that proposition a few weeks," said I. Then the captain cursed 
me, ordered me in irons again and sent me back to the forecastle. After 
seventeen days more we were summoned before Waddell and required 
to kiss the Bible and swear we would never take up arms against the 
Confederacy. Chase swore more oaths than Waddell desired, so he was 
compelled to kiss the Bible twice. We were given a boat, a barrel of 
bread and another of pork and were put ashore. This was the food 
allowance for one hundred and twenty men. 

At Ascension I happened to make a hit with the king, and he wanted 
to adopt me as his son. It happened like this : There was an uprising of 
the Kanakas, and although I was a Democrat then, as I have been since, 
I fought for the king against the common people. I was prejudiced, 
maybe, because the people raided our stores. I tied a sword about my 
waist with a rope yarn, and we had a victorious engagement. I was 
given the title of "mighty general," and my position in Ascension as a 
military man was akin to that of General Grant at home. We killed two 
Kanakas, wounded three and sank a canoe. The insurgents disappeared, 
and when the king saw that nine of us had whipped twenty-eight he feared 
for his throne. But we were not imperialists, and when a United States 
warship came along in about six months after our landing, we were glad 
to get away. I was landed at Honolulu, and worked my way to Pervi, 
where I took command of the bark "Valparaiso," of which I was master 
five years. 

Captain Baker then commanded the "Cape Horn Pigeon" for eight 
years, the "Europa" for seven and the "Josephine" for two years. He 
retired from the sea in 1890. Two summers ago he went to Holland as 
an expert witness for the government in the case of the seizure of a 
whaling vessel suspected by the Russian government of being a sealer. 
The Russian expert told the court that whales were taken to port whole, 
and sold for $1,250 each. Afterward Captain Baker was invited to dine 
with the expert, and asked to tell a whaling story. "After having heard 
the Russian expert's testimony, I concluded that I need not be afraid of 
being taken up, so I palmed off the story about Jonah and the whale as 
one of my own experiences." 

When Frank T. Bullen, the English writer of whaling stories, who 
wrote himself into fame out of his experiences on New Bedford whale- 

N B-S 



114 NEW BEDFORD 

ships, was visiting this city a few years ago, he was continually regret- 
ting the lack of imagination of our whaling captains. He was actually 
exasperated to find a race of men who had lived exciting experiences day 
after day, reducing it all to the merest commonplace. But it is the most 
natural thing, it always seemed to me, that the whaleman should be 
stolid. It would be incompatible with their calling that they should be 
other than phlegmatic. To bind a high-strung imaginative man down to 
a succession of long voyages with constant peril lurking over men and 
ship, would be unendurable. However, Mr. Bullen brought imagination 
to his experience and he was constantly impressed in his conversations 
with New Bedford whalemen with the magnificent material for stories 
that was going to waste. 

Among the men whom Mr. Bullen met here was the late Com- 
mander William P. Randall, United States Navy, who was a hero in 
spite of himself, for there never lived a man to whom notoriety was more 
distasteful. The story of his heroic deed in firing the last gun on the 
"Cumberland" before she was sunk by the "Merrimac" was perpetuated 
in departmental records and in Boker's poem, to his intense chagrin. In 
an advertising age he had an awful dread of publicity, and to his dying 
day he never forgave a newspaper writer who heard the story at first 
hand under a pledge of secrecy and then wrote it in interview form in a 
newspaper. 

Captain Randall was a whaleman before he entered the navy. He 
had taken Mr. Bullen to drive one day and, beguiled by silence, told the 
novelist a story which he wrote out on his return to the hotel. As we 
sat together Mr. Bullen handed the manuscript to Captain Randall. Cap- 
tain Randall was furious and in his wrath tore the manuscript in bits. 

"The story is damned good," he said. "I'd give a million dollars if 
I could tell it half as well. But you know as well as I that some galoot 
would be sure to get up and say I'd paid you to write it. That's why I 
tore your manuscript. Besides I don't talk as you made me. My gram- 
mar's as good as yours. You make me talk like a rough sailor man." 

The story was charmingly written, and Mr. Bullen rewrote and gave 
the writer a copy. It is a picturesque incident in the life of the youth of 
New Bedford who went down to the sea in ships, and we are glad to 
preserve it in this little group of stories : 

Randall was a young man, second mate of a whaleship, already in 
good repute for his smartness and ability to deal with the most difhcult 
case of whalemanship as it arose. But as so often happens, this extra- 
ordinarv evidence of capability in a young man did not help him very 
much because his seniors were jealous of him and consequently did their 
best, or worst, to keep him in the background. 

Men like that, however, are apt to refuse to be kept down very long 
Randall's chances kept coming, and he kept taking them until one after- 
noon in the north Pacific, all the boats were lowered for a mighty sperm 



NEW BEDFORD 115 

whale. By the skipper's orders Randall was made to wait attendance 
upon the other three boats, the third and fourth mates being relatives of 
his own. In spite of this, however, the young second mate managed to 
creep up and get fast, the mate's and fourth mate's boat being already so, 
but apparently unable to do anything. The whale was a fighter and in 
the course of an hour's run he got the lines of the three boats so snarled 
up that they could not get near him. They had resolved to cut adrift, 
and begin again, when the whale solved the problem for them by sud- 
denly turning a somersault between them and rising to the surface again 
with the second mate's line entangled in its lower jaw. The other two 
officers seeing that the game was now in Randall's hands, cut themselves 
adrift, upon which the whale, as if conscious that he had now achieved 
two-thirds of his freedom, sprang forward with tremendous vigor, defy- 
ing all the crew's efiforts to get up close to him. 

It was now evening, and but few minutes remained before the dark- 
ness would shut down upon them like a canister lid, yet every one of 
those minutes saw them being carried farther and farther away from the 
ship and their fellows in the other boats. At last, just as the last faint 
streaks of light were fading, young Randall saw his chance, and rallying 
all the energies of his men, succeeded in hauling up on the whale's flank 
and giving him a thrust with the lance between the first two ribs, which 
settled matters finally. Being so exhausted, the whale did not make 
much of a flurry. His dying agonies were brief, and in a few minutes 
Mate Randall was enabled to bore a hole in the whale's fluke with his 
boat spade wherein to secure the towline for hauling the prize alongside. 

While doing this he had the grievous misfortune to split his hand 
quite open to the bone on the spade edge. The work was finished, how- 
ever, and with the satisfaction that he had the whale secure, the young 
man set about binding his hand as well as might be, for it was becoming 
stiff and painful. And as if his trouble must needs come upon him all at 
once, he had hardly completed his rude surgery when a huge Kanaka, 
his harpooner, suddenly seemed to become crazy with fear of the dark- 
ness and his inability to see the ship. He howled with fright and de- 
manded water and food, which, as is generally known, is only carried in 
the most limited quantities in whaleboats — say two gallons of water and 
three pounds of biscuit, a tiny provision indeed for six men. 

Randall tried to soothe the frantic man, but finding that he could 
not do so, and that, moreover, the rest of the crew showed signs of 
demoralization, he reached for his bombgun, and calling all hands to 
witness that if compelled to shoot the Kanaka, he was doing such an act 
only in the common interest, he sat pointing the gun with its awful 
charge at the mouthing, gesticulating negro-, trying meanwhile to ignore 
the pain which was slowly deadening his left side, from the jaw to the 
waist. And there in his loneliness and full acceptance of responsibility 
sat the youth, Randall, feeling face to face with death in various shapes, 
but fully determined to die, if he must, man fashion. 

There is no doubt that he would have died, but his after oarsman, in 
a happy moment, thought of filling the only pipe in the boat with the 
strong, rank tobacco they carried. Lighting it with the flint and steel, 
he passed it to his officer, who smoked it and felt it send a blissful feeling 
of lethargy all through his frame. So sweet was the sensation that when 
the pipe was smoked out he asked for another, and when that had been 
consumed he felt entirely happy. Not sleepy ; O, no; but free from pain, 



ii6 NEW BEDFORD 

and throughout that long quiet night he sat communing with all the 
great friends of books he had learned to love. 

"To my mind," commented Mr. Bullen, "that makes a truly magni- 
ficent picture;" and he continues: 

This mere boy of twenty-one, sitting calmly in his boat's stern 
throughout the long night, his gigantic prey wallowing at his side, and 
before him. in various painful attitudes, the five sleeping forms of the 
men in his charge covered with the boat sail, and for the time oblivious 
of the peril. With pain of body benumbed, but his mind active, he holds 
mighty converse with the spirits of the mighty dead whose words he has 
learned and loved, until with eyes that grow humid with gratitude he 
sees the tender flush of dawn mantling the eastern blue. 

And as the day springs into being he sees afar oft the silhouette of 
the ship, and lifting his voice in the long, mellow cry of "Sail ho!" he 
brings all of his men out of their slumbers into rejoicing consciousness. 
Even then he has need of all his firmness of purpose to prevent his being 
compelled by his men to cut adrift from the whale and pull for the ship, 
they are so afraid she will miss them. Two hours of steady holding his 
own with them passes slowly away before it is seen that she knows of 
their whereabouts, and all is well. 

It is little wonder that after a youth passed in such experiences he 
never seemed able to quite comprehend why the world persisted in mak- 
ing so much of that day's incident on the "Cumberland." He had lived 
with sailor men, who. cast adrift in a whaleboat, could whittle with a 
jackknife a quadrant, tear off the rim of the compass focal for an arc, 
break up a five-cent mirror for a speculum, and by such crude device 
fight their way back to home and life. But they were men of action, not 
of speech. 

In keeping up with a changing world the time came when New 
Bedford was forced to turn from whaling to manufacturing. "If its 
sturdy people could no longer roam the seas conquering its hugest mon- 
ster, they could make the spindles whirl with successful life on shore," 
said the late Thomas B. Reed on the occasion of New Bedford's semi- 
centennial celebration, adding this sentiment : "The earth has got to be 
very shifty to get out of the grasp of a people equally at home on land or 
water." 

The men of New Bedford turned from the sea, singing in the spirit 
of Kipling's jolly mariners: 

The war is done between us. 
In the deep the Lord hath seen us: 
Our bones we'll leave the barracout 
And God may sink the sea! 

So we conclude this period of our history with the familiar entry in 
the whaleman's log: "And so ends this day." 



CHAPTER XIX. 
The Period Following the British Invasion of 1778 Until 1812. 

But little record is to be found concerning New Bedford after the 
raid until the close of the war, although the work of rehabilitation was 
going on slowly. By 1783 the signs of improvement were everywhere 
visible; men of enterprise and with some capital began to display their 
energy in various lines of business activity ; shops, warehouses and 
wharves became busy with the outfitting of vessels for the merchant 
service and for whaling voyages ; and but a few years elapsed before a 
goodly fleet was again upon the ocean, hailing from New Bedford. But 
the French Revolution of 1789, the Napoleonic wars of the early part of 
the nineteenth century, and the reluctant recognition of American rights 
upon the seas by Great Britain and France, made the years intervening 
between the close of the Revolution and the end of the War of 1812 a 
period of great uncertainty to the floating commerce of the newly created 
nation. The restrictions placed upon the entry of American ships into 
foreign ports, especially of England and France, led to the seizure of 
many of our vessels. This, with the impressment of American seamen, 
was the prime cause of the second war with Great Britain. The confis- 
cation of American ships and cargoes by the French government led to 
the French spoliation claims, paid by France to the United States, and 
but recently distributed in full to the rightful claimants. 

New Bedford sufifered much from these conditions, her merchants 
and vessel owners losing both ships and goods. The business of the 
village, but recently recovered from the disasters of the Revolution, was 
again laid prostrate, and it was not until the year 1818 that it could be 
considered completely revived. From that year may be dated the com- 
mencement of a commercial prosperity which has rarely been equalled in 
history. 

"Morse's Gazetteer," published in 1797, thus describes the New Bed- 
ford of that time : 

New Bedford, a port town and port of entry in Bristol countv. Mas- 
sachusetts, on a small bay which sets up north from Buzzards Bay. fifty- 
eight miles from Boston. The township was incorporated in 1787, and 
is thirteen miles in length and four in breadth ; bounded east by Roches- 
ter, west by Dartmouth, of which it was originally a part, and' south by 
Buzzards Bay. Acushnutt was the Indian name of New Bedford, and 
the small river of that name discovered by Gosnold in 1602 runs from 
north to south through the township and divides the villages of Oxford 
and Fairhayen from Bedford Village. A company was incorporated in 
1796 for building a bridge across the river. From the head to the mouth 
of the river is seven or eight miles. Fairhaven and Bedford Villages are 
a mile apart and a ferry constantly attended is established between^ them. 



ii8 NEW BEDFORD 

In 1787 smallpox visited the town, its effects being so serious that 
public action was taken. A pest house was built upon land belonging to 
Ebenezer Willis, who was allowed six shillings for every person taken 
into the house. In 1791 the smallpox again broke out in the village, 
with results far more fatal and distressing than those of the first epi- 
demic, about one hundred persons dying from the disease. 

The first newspaper, "The Medley," or "New Bedford Marine Jour- 
nal," made its initial appearance Tuesday, November 27, 1792, edited, 
printed and published by John Spooner at his office near Rotch's Wharf. 
In 1793 a post route was established by Samuel Sprague from New Bed- 
ford to Barnstable, by way of Rochester, Wareham and Sandwich, re- 
turning through Plymouth and Middleboro. Weekly communication 
with Boston was maintained by William Henshaw's stage that left New 
Bedford every Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock, arriving in Taunton the 
same evening. The trip was concluded on Wednesday in time for the 
travelers to dine at the Bunch of Grapes, an excellent inn kept by Colonel 
Coleman. The return trip, begun on Friday morning at 9 o'clock, was 
finished in New Bedford on Saturday at noon. The fare was three pence 
per mile. Abraham Russell ran a stage to Boston via Middleboro and 
Bridgewater, advancing his charges in 1794 to three dollars for each Bos- 
ton passenger. The street over the mill dam in Fairhaven was opened 
in 1795, and record is made that at this time Bedford Village contained 
454 houses and 1,313 inhabitants. In 1796 William Rotch deeded the lot 
at the northwest corner of Purchase and William streets to the new 
Congregational church. The same year (1796) the New Bedford and 
Fairhaven bridge was incorporated and the structure built, with result- 
ant effects both good and evil. The bridge so altered the current of the 
river that the channel filled up and, as one resident put it, "Completely 
ruined the business of the place," meaning Fairhaven. The bridge was 
washed away in a very high tide in 1807, was rebuilt, and again destroyed 
in the great gale of September, 1815; was again rebuilt in 1819, and has 
been rebuilt and enlarged many times since. The toll charge in 1800 is 
here given : For each foot passenger, 4 cents. For each horse and per- 
son, 12 cents. For each chaise or sulky, 25 cents. For each sleigh drawn 
by one horse, 18 cents, and 6 cents for each additional horse. For each 
coach, phaeton, curricle or four-wheel carriage for passengers, 36 cents. 
For each cart, wagon, sled or other carriage of burthen drawn by two 
beasts, 25 cents. For the privilege of rolling a wheelbarrow or hand- 
cart over the bridge, 6 cents. For droves of sheep, swine, cattle or horses 
with one driver, per dozen 6 cents. 

The twentieth anniversary of American independence was cele- 
brated in Bedford with great rejoicing, the artillery company under Cap- 
tain Ayers taking an important part. The celebration included an ora- 
tion by Rev. Samuel West, D. D., an eloquent divine, and a public dinner. 



NEW BEDFORD 119 

The following year (1797) the artillery company paraded under Cap- 
tain Henshaw, and the oration was by Jireh Willis. Washington's Birth- 
day, February 22, 1799, was commemorated with more than usual fervor, 
but before another anniversary of the birth of the Father of this Country 
had rolled around, a memorial service in his honor had been held, Janu- 
ary 6, 1800. President Washington died at Mt. Vernon, December 14, 
1799, the news not reaching New Bedford until December 22. On the 
day of the memorial services a procession was formed by Colonels Pope, 
Kempton, Claghorn and Captain Bryant. The procession was composed 
of the artillery and militia companies ; Washington Remembrance Lodge, 
Free and Accepted Masons; the orator of the day. Rev. John Briggs, of 
Trenton ; the clergy ; a choir of singers ; civil officers ; and school chil- 
dren, each with a black ribbon on the left arm. While the procession 
moved, the bells tolled and minute guns were discharged. In the harbor 
the vessels all placed their flags at halfmast. 

A fatal fever swept the town during September and October, 1801, 
exciting much alarm and causing eleven deaths. The Bedford Bank was 
incorporated April 2, 1803, by Thomas Hazard, Jr., Edward Pope and 
Seth Russell, Jr. The first legal meeting of the Bedford Aqueduct Asso- 
ciation, Charles Russell, clerk, was held March 17, 1804. On September 
26, 1804, Joseph Willard, D. D., LL. D., president of Harvard Univer- 
sity, died in Bedford, at the home of Edward Pope. 

The years until 181 2 seem to have been years of prosperity and patri- 
otic development. Each succeeding Fourth of July was loyally and 
enthusiastically celebrated, military organizations continued a lively 
existence, and a complete roster of Captain Thomas Barstow's company 
of foot of January 27, 1810, is appended : 

OFFICERS — Captain Thomas Barstow : Lieutenant Job Grey; ser- 
geants and musicians, Enoch Horton, Robert Weaver, ALanson Caswell. 

PRIVATES. 

Allen, Thomas Holmes, Nye 

Allen, Charles Jennings, Perry 

Allen, Francis Kempton, Benjamin 

Bliss, George Kempton, William W. 

Bliss, Samuel Knapp, Elisha 

Bliss. Josiah L. Mosher. Timothy 

Booth, Zebedee Nash, Simeon 

Blackmer, William Nash, William 

Butts, Enoch Nye, William C. 

Burrill, Thomas Orcut, Martin 

Brooks, Gilbert Parker, Nathan 

Caldwell, Jeduthan Perry, Nathan 

Caldwell, Ralph Perry, Nathaniel 

Caldwell, Solomon Perry, Timothy 

Covell, Charles Pierce. Pardon 



NEW BEDFORD 



Cranston, William 
Crocker, Oliver 
Clapp, John 
Cross, Latham 
Covil, Clement 
Dalton, William 
DeCost, Nash 
Dunbar, Joseph 
Ellis, William B. 
Evans, John 
Forbes, Charles 
Freeman, John 
Fuller, John 
Fuller, Jonathan 
Gilbert, Charles 
Green, David 
Hathaway, Ezra 
Hathaway, James 
Hammond, Thomas 
Head, Uriah 
Heffards, John 
Heffards, James 
Hill, Richard 
Hillman, Kenjamin 
Hillman, Jethro 
Himes, John S. 
Howland, David 
Howland, Jonathan, Jr. 
Howland, Stephen 



Place, Henry 
Potter, Stephen 
Randall. Richard 
Sawdy, David 
Simmons, Benjamin 
Simmons, George 
Simmons, Smith 
Sisson, John 
Sherman, Allen 
Sherman, Thurston 
Smith, Francis 
Swain, Matthew 
Stowell, David 
Taber, Benjamin 
Taber, Edward 
Taber, Samuel 
Taylor, John 
Tobey, Samuel C. 
Tripp. Stephen 
Tuckerman, William 
Warren. Benjamin 
West. Stephen 
White, Philip 
Wilbour, Elijah 
Wilcox, David 
Wirt 

Wing, Stephen 
Winslow, Zephaniah 



The town of New Bedford had been set oflf from Dartmouth and 
incorporated in 1787, and the first town meeting was held on March 21, 
in the Congregational meeting house. The town was divided into four 
districts, separated north and south by the harbor and river, and east 
and west by the highway beginning in the line between this town, east 
and west by the highway beginning on the line between this town and 
that of Dartmouth at the bridge about twenty rods eastward of the house 
where James Peckham, deceased, last dwelt, and leading easterly to the 
bridge at the head of said harbor, and thence still easterly by the dwell- 
ing house of Hannaniah Cornish to Rochester line. 

The first elected officers of the town were: 

Selectmen — John West, Isaac Pope, William Tallman ; clerk and 
treasurer — John Pickens : assessors — Bartholomew Aiken, Joseph Taber, 
Thomas Kempton : surveyors of lumber — Benjamin Taber. Benjamin 
Dillingham, Bartholomew Aiken, Jethro Allen ; inspector of fish — Peleg 
Huttleson. 



And the following constables and collectors: 



NEW BEDFORD laj 

Northwest district, Gamaliel Bryant ; 

Northeast district, Samuel Bowerman ; 

Southeast district, Joseph Damon ; 

Southwest district, Abishar Shearn ; 

Northeast district, Robert Bennit. Sr., Paul Wing, Job Jenne, Elisha 
Cushman ; o j j , ^ a. 

Will^^"^^'''^^* district, Barnabas Russell, Caleb Russell, Sr., Jireh 

T Southeast district, Samuel Hathaway, of Sconticut ; William Dexter 
Joseph Damon, James Kempton. Benjamin Church, Bartholomew Aiken ' 

AA^^-. w-n"* '^l^^"''^' John Chaffee, Christopher Hammond, William' 
White, William Andrews; 

W^ardens—Major George Claghorn, captain ; Benjamin Dillingham 
Isaac Drew, Amos Simmons ; ^ 

Tithingmen— Zadok Maxfield, William Allen, Pardon Taber • 
Fence Viewers— Samuel West, Silas Sweet, Stephen Taber Henry 
Jenne : > • j 

Cullers of Staves— Daniel Ricketson, John Shearman, Benjamin 
Dillingham : ■' 

Hog Reeves— Sampson Spooner, Samuel Tupper, Jr., Gilbert Ben- 
nit, Daniel Smith, Seth Hathaway. 

The town cast its first vote for Governor as follows : James Bow- 
doin, 41 ; John Hancock, 171. 




CHAPTER XX. 
Early Landed Proprietors. 

The following narrative of men who made New Bedford in the olden 
days — their homes and their industries — the city of to-day being included 
in eleven farms two centuries ago — -is by Mr. Henry B. Worth. 

All New Bedford was divided into eleven farms two hundred years 
ago. For half a century its wealth was gained from tilling the soil, and 
the tracts from Clark's Cove to the head of the Acushnet river, then a 
part of the town of Dartmouth, were owned by primitive farmers. There 
is no indication of any commerce or whaling, and the only cloth manu- 
factured in the place was the product of spinning wheels and hand looms. 
One highway extended northly from the cove to Rochester, along the 
line of County street of to-day, where all the dwellings were located, and 
another highway was laid out to South Dartmouth and Joseph Russell's 
mills, now Russell Mills. 

The southernmost farm which lay between the cove and Independ- 
ent street, including Clark's Point, was owned by Benjamin Allen, and 
it was very valuable on account of the extensive shore front. His dwell- 
ing stood on the southeast corner of Cove street and the County road, 
and he also owned the tract north and south of Howland and Wing 
streets, and a third farm at Mt. Pleasant. 

The Ward family owned a thousand acres north of the south Allen 
property, sixteen hundred acres at the head of the river, and part of 
Cuttyhunk and Nasawena. 

The homestead of the first Joseph Russell whose name is applied to 
Russell Mills was the farm between Thompson and Grinnell streets 
and the tradition is that his dwelling stood on South street, between 
County and Fourth streets. Within sixty years the cellar and well of a 
house built about 1825 by his son Seth, directly west of South street, 
near Crapo street, was in evidence. Joseph Russell was a member of the 
Dartmouth Society of Friends, and his estate inventoried thirteen hun- 
dred pounds, personal property, besides his lands. 

Joseph Russell, Jr., owned the property between Russell and Spring 
streets, and his dwelling was near the head of Walnut street. His son 
Joseph, the third of the name, was reckoned the richest man in the vil- 
lage. His estate showed five thousand two hundred pounds real estate, 
and twelve hundred personal. 

Next north to Sycamore street the great Kempton farm lay, first occu- 
pied by Ephraim Kemjiton in 1737. The earliest dwelling of record stood 
on the west side of County street, south of North street. The inven- 
tory of his estate showed that his house was of one story with three 
rooms. 



NEW BEDFORD 123 

The farm which had Linden street as its northern limit was pur- 
chased by Captain Seth Pope soon after it was laid out by Colonel Sam- 
uel Willis, of Bridgewater, and the dwelling stood on the site of the 
Bennett house, near the Common. Captain Pope attained considerable 
prominence during the half century that he resided in the village and his 
title was gained in the local militia. 

As far north as Cedar Grove street was the farm of Samuel Jenney ; 
Stephen Peckham tilled the tract that extended to Phillips avenue, and 
north of that John Hathaway settled, while the north Ward farm was 
divided between six heirs in 1741. 

Previous to 1760 these nine families conducted their farms, and the 
wealthiest, Joseph Russell and Colonel Willis, operated their mills. 
When the sons married, dwellings for them were built on the ancestral 
homestead and in the divisions that followed years later they received 
the sections "where they had lived." The only traces of affluence are to 
be discovered in the probate records where there may be occasional men- 
tions of bonds, notes of hand, a few books or some household luxury. 
But a new order was at hand by which the community would be signally 
changed. The attention of the people was directed to a different indus- 
try. Their wealth no longer consisted of products of the soil, but in place 
of the axe and plough, henceforth there were deeds of enterprise and dar- 
ing that demanded the same valor as battle and war. It marked the 
opening of a new era when there came to be patrician homes on the 
Acushnet, and the merchant princes of New Bedford rolled up many 
handsome fortunes. 

Joseph Russell, son of the second Joseph and grandson of the first 
of that name, inherited the homestead farm of his father between Russell 
and Spring streets, and he purchased a part of the Kempton farm. Influ- 
enced possibly by the success of the Nantucket seamen, Russell decided 
to engage in the whale fishery. On the shore near the foot of Union 
street he sold lots of land and the village was first called the New Settle- 
ment, and a few years later was called Bedford. This was the real begin- 
ning of New Bedford. 

It has been written that capital to build whaling vessels was fur- 
nished by Joseph Rotch, of Nantucket. The amount paid by the latter 
for land sold by Russell was over $4,000. Other purchases paid Russell 
as much more. In the decade before the Revolutionary War, he had 
sold all his shore front north of Madison street except a small section on 
both sides of Centre street. In these days blubber was brought by whal- 
ing vessels to the home port and tried out on shore. The Russell candle 
works was located between Center street and Rose alley west of Front 
street and the try-works a short distance north. Before his death in 
1806 he had sold in house lots substantially all his farm east of County 
street and north of Madison. The part unsold was inherited by his sons, 



124 NEW BEDFORD 

Gilbert and Abraham. Like most of the merchants of that day, Joseph 
Russell had a license to sell liquor granted 1773 and 1775. 

Bedford Village received among its residents, just before 1770, three 
men, all members of the Society of Friends, who exerted a powerful influ- 
ence on the financial development of the community. 

Joseph Rotch was a man of uncommon business ability. He ap- 
peared at Nantucket about 1720 and 1733 married Love Macy in Friends' 
meeting. The late F. E. Sanford is the authority for the statement that 
"Rotch cobbled shoes in the front shop and sold West India goods in 
the other." His activity seems to have been devoted exclusively to the 
acquisition of property in which he had great success. His principal pur- 
chases of land on the Acushnet river took place in 1765 and soon after he 
must have removed to Bedford from Nantucket because in 1768, 1773 and 
1775 he obtained a license to retail liquors. At his death in 1784 he was 
one of the wealthy men of the section. His business included whiskey 
and all branches of maritime trading. 

His dwelling stood on the southwest corner of Water and William 
and it is said it was burned by the British in 1778. Then he built on the 
northwest corner of Union and Bethel streets. The long and sturdy 
career of Joseph Rotch, beginning with the shop at Nantucket and clos- 
ing in Bedford over fifty years later, enabling him to become the wealth- 
iest resident in both communities would anywhere be noted as a marked 
success, but it was obscured by the surpassing brilliancy of his son Wil- 
liam, who inherited all the Acushnet lands. 

Captain Isaac Howland came from that part of Dartmouth called 
Round Hill, at the end of Smith's Neck. His title suggests that in early 
life he was engaged in a sea-faring career, but very soon his attention 
was directed to business on shore. Two of his daughters married sons 
of Joseph Russell, and this may have been a factor in leading him to 
adopt Bedford as his residence not far from 1770. At that date he must 
have accumulated considerable property, because in 1774 he was one of 
five men who belonged to the Friends' meeting house and were obliged 
to free their slaves, the others being William Sandford, Peleg Slocum, 
John and Joseph Russell. Howland conducted a distillery on the north 
side of Commercial street, where the stone block now stands, which 
establishment was burned by the British in the 1778 raid. His house 
was built of brick and stood at the junction of Pleasant and Union streets, 
and was taken down when Cheapside was opened. His principal land 
interests were on both sides of Commercial street. 

As one of the pioneers of finance in New Bedford he achieved nota- 
ble success, but, like Joseph Russell, he had the fortune to be succeeded 
by men who added greatly to the prestige of the founder. Side by side 
were the Rotches and Rodmans on the one hand, and on the other the 
firm of Isaac Howland, Jr., & Company, which later included Edward 



NEW BEDFORD 125 

Mott Robinson, Sylvia Ann Howland and Thomas Mandell. At the 
decease of Isaac Howland, his property passed to his three sons, Isaac, 
Peleg and Humphrey. 

Captain John Howland was born in that part of Dartmouth near the 
east end of Hix bridge, and began life as a sailor. He commanded small 
vessels engaged in whaling and trading with West Indies and European 
ports. The records plainly show that his business enterprises did not 
involve the use of land. He built and occupied the house on the west 
side of Water street, next south of the corner of School street. It was 
taken down a year or two ago to make room for a cotton storehouse. 
His property seems to have been invested in personal estate. This gave 
rise to a common report that he had more ready money than William 
Rotch. He was one of the solid men of New Bedford. This may be 
inferred from the diliferent lines in which he was concerned. He was 
one of the founders and trustees of the Bedford Bank and Fairhaven 
bridge. In 1788 he purchased from Ephraim Kempton a tract east of 
Water street on the south side of Middle street, and from this property 
he extended a wharf. In the purchase was included a part of Fishing 
Took Island, now called Fish Island. Some time before 1815 he built 
the stone building now on the corner of Water and Middle streets, and it 
was used by him and his sons as an oil manufactory. In modern times it 
has been used for the soap business. 

Before the opening of the Revolutionary War there were added to 
the residents of Bedford Village a few who contributed in a humbler 
way to the founding of the town. At that day, the line of the Acushnet 
river touched Water street at its junction with Spring street, and the 
shore line extended somewhat northeasterly to Front street. In the 
space now devoted to Commercial street and the stone block was located 
the ship-yard of John Lowden. He built the original part of the wharf 
which was extended by Isaac Howland, father and son, until the present 
structure of the New Bedford, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket Steam- 
boat Company was attained. Lowden sold his property to Caleb Rus- 
sell in 1772, and in 1783 it was purchased by Captain Isaac Howland. 

On the south side of Union street, then called King, near Front 
street, where the shore existed in 1769, Uriel Rea bought a small lot and 
extended from it a wharf, the original part of the landing now used by 
the New York boats and the Fairhaven Ferry. It was later owned by 
Uriah Brownell and in 1822 conveyed by him to George Howland, and 
in 1888 was purchased by the Old Colony railroad. When owned by 
Howland it was called the Merchants' Wharf. Rea also purchased the 
northwest corner of Water and Union streets, and had a store there for 
which he constantly had a license to sell liquor. He also owned several 
acres on the river south of Pearl street, and here he built a wharf which 
in recent years has been owned by the Hathaway Coal Company. After 



126 NEW BEDFORD 

remaining in Bedford twenty years, Rea moved to Warwick, Rhode 
Island, and his property passed into the hands of Seth Russell to whom 
it was mortgaged. The principal item of interest about this man is that 
his name was pronounced "Ray" and it was from him that Ray street 
was named. 

Benjamin Taber, boat-builder and block-maker, in 1765 purchased 
the lot on the north side of Union street, between Water street and the 
river. His house was at the west end of this tract. He built the wharf 
named from him, and now owned by the city. As fast as his children 
required houses, he built them on this lot and these houses are still stand- 
ing on the north side of Union street. 

The Revolutionary War paralyzed all industries and development. 
Losses by the 1778 raid were nearly half a million dollars. Other depre- 
dations took place which fell heavily on Bedford village. A great part 
of the accumulations of twenty years disappeared. During this initial 
period the Kemptons, whose farms lay between Elm and Maxfield streets, 
made no effort to attract purchasers, and so only seven house lots were 
sold. A schoolhouse was built on the west side of Bethel street, one 
hundred feet north of Union, but this was burned. There was no meet- 
ing house in Bedford at that period. 

The style of house buildingcan be inferred from a very few speci- 
mens still in existence. The only illustration built of brick is that on 
the west side of Water street, between Walnut and Madison streets, 
erected in 1768 by Edward Hudson. It was the first dwelling with two 
chimneys and a central hall. Next south is the Allen house, built about 
1780 by Thomas Howland, and was of the same style as the Captain John 
Howland house. Among the well-to-do people this style was in com- 
mon use. 

Within the reach of those of moderate means was a low one-story 
house, a good illustration of which opposite the Allen street church was 
recently taken down. One of the same style is still standing on the east 
side of Purchase street, north of Maxfield street, below the level of the 
highway. At the present date there are only a few houses, not more 
than a dozen, that were built before 1784, and not one that was in exist- 
ence when Bedford Village was started. 

Between the two wars with England, New Bedford not only regained 
all the loss incurred, but approached perceptibly near the attainments of 
Nantucket, the centre of the whale fishery of the world. It was almost 
a miracle that the recovery should be so rapid and complete. Probably 
the whaling and trading ventures brought uncommon returns, and many 
were attracted to such lucrative enterprises. 

It was during this period that the financial prestige of New Bedford 
was established and the foundation of many fortunes laid. It was the 
outcome of an exceedingly favorable condition and the presence of sagac- 



NEW BEDFORD 



127 



ious men prepared to take advantage of every opportunity. The leaders 
in financial circles at first were John and Isaac Hovvland. Joseph Rus- 
sell and the Kemptons had an abundance of land and as soon as business 
activities attracted, there came demands for house lots throughout Bed- 
ford Village. 

A nephew of Joseph Russell named Seth then came into prominence. 
In 1765 his uncle sold him the land on the northwest corner of Union 
and Water streets. At the close of the Revolution, when Uriel Rea 
became financially embarrassed, all his real estate passed into the hands 
of Seth Russell. This included the lot and wharf at the foot of Union 
street and a large tract extending from the river west some distance 
beyond Pleasant street. The three-story stone dwelling at the northwest 
corner of Pleasant and Campbell streets, was built for his son Charles. 
He began the house across the street on the south for a stable, but the 
disaster overtook him before this was completed and it was sold and 
altered into a dwelling. 

Then George Tyson, who had married Seth Russell's daughter, at 
the same date had built for him the stone house on the north side of 
South street between County and Fourth streets. This was one of the 
fine houses of the day and suggested an Italian villa, although its plain 
style could not offend the taste of a Quaker family. In recent years, 
being surrounded by houses, it has lost the charm originally secured by 
being located in the centre of a large open lot. The creditors of Tyson 
sold it to Judge H. G. O. Colby in 1844, and in 1855 his administrator 
conveyed it to Captain John A. Delano, by whose family it was called 
"Eton Villa." In 1879 't was purchased by Elijah Gififord. 

Seth Russell's own mansion is still standing on the southeast corner 
of County and Grinnell streets. 

The fourth house was that built by Seth Russell for his son Seth. 
It was located on the west side of Acushnet avenue, north of South 
street, and had a heavy colonnade front. The subsequent owners were 
Captain William Blackmer and Hiram Kilburn. In recent years it has 
been moved to the line of Acushnet avenue. 

George Tyson built the stone candle works building on the south- 
east corner of South and Second streets, in 1831. This factory was later 
owned and conducted by Oliver Crocker, Charles H. Leonard and 
George Delano. 

Another well known and highly respected merchant who began his 
mercantile career at this date was Captain Cornelius Grinnell, whose 
early life had been spent on the sea. He was one of the incorporators of 
the Bedford Bank in 1803 and was connected with various other financial 
institutions. For a few years before 1798 he owned and occupied the 
brick house on Water street between Walnut and Madison streets. In 
181 1 he purchased the house built by Asa Russell on the northwest 



128 NEW BEDFORD 

corner of Acushnet avenue and Grinnell street and in recent years used 
as a boarding house. He was the father of Henry, Joseph and Moses H. 
Grinnell, all famous in the financial circles of New York and New Bed- 
ford. His estate was inventoried at $75,000. 

But the event of the most far-reaching consequence was the removal 
to New Bedford of William Rotch and his son William, and the allied 
families of Samuel Rodman and Thomas Hazard. The latter belonged 
on the west side of Narragansett Bay and married Anna, the sister of 
Samuel Rodman. He settled in New Bedford in 1792 and purchased the 
lot on the south side of Elm street, east of Bethel street. Here he built 
a house, still on the corner of Water street, and extended a wharf which 
bears his name. He engaged actively in whaling and accumulated a 
large fortune. He was the first president of the Bedford Bank and one 
of the six incorporators of the company that built the Fairhaven bridge. 
His daughter Elizabeth married Jacob Barker, the great New York mer- 
chant. Shortly after the ^^'ar of 181 2, Hazard removed to New York 
City. 

William Rotch, father and son, and Samuel Rodman were eminently 
successful in the acquisition of property. They not only understood 
thoroughly the principles of finance, but comprehended, with the group 
of statesmen, all civil and political questions and they possessed in a 
high degree that peculiar interest in public utilities and improvements 
designated as "public spirit." This was their policy in Nantucket, and 
it continued in a marked extent in New Bedford. William Rotch settled 
permanently in this section in 1795, and at once built the large mansion 
on the northeast corner of Union and Second streets. At the next ses- 
sion of the General Court six men were incorporated to build the Fair- 
haven bridge, William Rotch, William Rotch, Jr., Thomas Rotch, 
Thomas Hazard, John Howland and Edward Pope. The latter was an 
able lawyer who resided on the north side of Union street, at the junc- 
tion of Sixth street. When the Bedford Bank was organized, the first 
banking institution in the town, Thomas Hazard was president, and 
among its directors were John Howland, Isaac Howland, Jr., William 
Rotch, Jr., Cornelius Grinnell, Samuel Rodman and Edward Pope. 

Shortly before 1800 William street, at first called Market street, was 
laid out as far west as Purchase street and between Second and Purchase 
was eighty feet wide, with the exception that in the middle, according 
to James B. Congdon, there should be built a market after the style in 
Philadelphia. But while a small market house was built, the project did 
not meet with public favor, and in 1821 a market and town house were 
built, the building being the central police station, and the surplus width 
on William street was voted back to Mr. Rotch. In exchange he gave 
to the town the land now occupied by the Central engine house. 

New Bedford needed school houses and it was considered that as 



NEW BEDFORD 129 

there were two religious societies, one Quaker and one Congregational, 
it would be as well to have a school for the children of each. So William 
Rotch, Jr., bought a lot on the east side of Bethel street at the top of 
"Johnny Cake Hill" and built one which for years was known as the 
Friends' school house, and his father gave the lot on Purchase street and 
next north of the C. F. Wing building, where was built a school house. 
All the proprietors, except Mr. Rotch, were Presbyterians. 

In all the movements in which Mr. Rotch engaged there is a singular 
absence of any participation by the Russells. There was a long contro- 
versy over a boundary line near Center street, but probably the antipathy 
consisted jn the widely different methods and principles followed by the 
two families. So, in 1805, some of the merchants under the leadership of 
Abraham and Gilbert Russell formed the Aqueduct Association. Its 
object was to lead the water from springs that were located on the west 
side of Sixth street, near Walnut street, down to the water front to be 
utilized by vessels. Besides the Russells there were concerned in the 
project Isaac Rowland, Jr., Joseph Ricketson, Gideon Howland, Jr., 
Uriah Brownell, Gideon Allen, Caleb Congdon, Charles Russell, Peter 
Barney, Francis Taber, William Howland, Caleb Shepard and Benjamin 
Howland. But not a Rotch or Rodman appears. 

William Rotch, Sr., died in May, 1828, and the following December 
his house was opened as a hotel under the name of the Mansion House. 
Shortly before 1800 William Rotch, Jr., built a house on the southwest 
corner of William and Water streets. After his decease in 1850, his 
daughter, Mrs. James Arnold, gave it to the New Bedford Port Society. 
It was moved back to the west side of Bethel street and has since been 
used as a Mariners' Home. His last residence was the house on the east 
side of County street, between Madison and Cherry streets, owned after 
185 1 by Edward C. Jones. 

When he first moved to New Bedford, Samuel Rodman owned and 
occupied the house on the southwest corner of Middle and Water streets. 
A few years later he built a large house on the northwest corner of 
Water and William streets which was enlarged by David A. Snell and 
used as a bakery. The stone building on the east side of Water street 
directly opposite was Samuel Rodman's candle works. 

William Rotch, Jr., was the first president of the Institution for 
Savings, and he and Samuel Rodman were connected with numerous 
corporations. Both were reputed to be millionaires. Thomas and Joseph 
Rotch were sons of William Rotch, Jr. The property of Joseph Russell 
went to his sons, Abraham and Gilbert. The farm east of County street 
had been mostly sold in house lots. The sons divided the real estate and 
Abraham received that part north of Cherry street. 

The two brothers differed widely in their capacity for business. 
Abraham seems to have been the victim of the same over-sanguine tem- 

N B— 9 



130 NEW BEDFORD 

perament that led to the downfall of some of his cousins. Shortly after 
1800 he built a three-story house on the west side of County street, 
exactly in line of Union street, and maintained a pretentious establish- 
ment. In 1814 he became involved financially and placed upon his real 
estate a mortgage of $53,000 to the Bedford Bank. Five years later it 
was foreclosed and all was sold except his house and five acres adjoining. 
It was rather singular that the greater part of this farm was purchased 
by William Rotch and his associates. Some years ago, when Union street 
was extended west of County, Abraham Russell moved his house to the 
northwest corner of Orchard and Union streets and for over fifty years 
it was owned and occupied by Thomas D. Eliot and his family. It was 
taken down in 1904. 

Gilbert Russell was a conservative and successful whaling merchant 
and yet his name seldom appeared among the managers of any local 
institution. Apparently he confined his attention to his private business. 
His first homestead was built by him on the southeast corner of Water 
and Center streets about 1790 and is still standing, having been used for 
stores and offices since his death. Before 1814 he built his second house 
on the west side of County street, at the head of Walnut street. In 1820 
this was sold to William R. Rotch, who remodeled it, and in 1864 it was 
purchased by Sylvanus Thomas, and in 1868 by Mrs. Mary H. Abbie. 
The present owner is Edward S. Brown. When Gilbert Russell con- 
veyed this he had built a third dwelling on the northwest corner of Rus- 
sell and Sixth streets, where he died in 1829. This house was afterward 
owned and occupied by John H. W. Page, Esq., S. G. Morgan and in 
1907 was owned by Daniel J. Sullivan. 

At the date of his death Gilbert Russell owned considerable real 
estate which was divided between his son William T. Russell and his 
daughters, Lydia, wife of William W. Swain ; Catherine, wife of Joseph 
R. Anthony ; Susan, wife of Moses H. Grinnell, and Mary, wife of Cor- 
nelius Grinnell, Jr. His estate amounted to $70,000, but some of his 
property had been distributed to his children before his death. 

About 1800 there appeared in New Bedford several young men who 
later became financial leaders. John Avery Parker had a curious career. 
Born in Plympton, he attempted to settle in Westport in 1792, but with 
a number of others was ordered by the selectmen to depart from the 
town, as not being desired. He came to New Bedford and engaged in 
some sort of business, probably a grocery store, because in the year 
1804 he had a license to sell liquor. In 1808 he advertised a meeting of 
his creditors which usually means financial embarrassment. In 1816 he 
was one of the directors of the Bedford Commercial bank. In 1833 he 
was the owner of the Parker block at the foot of Middle street; in 1825 
he organized the Merchants' Bank, and he was its president until his 
death in 1854. His estate was valued at over $1,200,000 and he was the 



NEW BEDFORD 131 

richest man in New Bedford in his time. His fortune was accumulated 
in the whaling business. His first associations seem to have been with 
the firm of Seth Russell & Sons. 

His first house was built about 1804 on the southeast corner of Pur- 
chase street and Middle street. The Parker House was erected by him. 
In 1833 he built on the corner of County and Pearl streets the finest 
house ever erected in New Bedford and it was reputed to have cost 
$125,000. He was a director in several financial corporations. He and 
his only son Frederick were in business under the name of John Avery 
Parker & Son. 

Frederick Parker married a daughter of Hayden Coggeshall and for 
a time resided at the Coggeshall mansion on the west side of Acushnet 
avenue, between Cedar Grove and Sawyer streets. Later, in 1856, he 
purchased fourteen acres of land on the west side of Acushnet avenue, 
and on the north side of Davis street and built the elaborate home which 
in 1864 was purchased by Robert Earle and from the heirs of the latter 
by the Roman Catholics to be used as a residence of the priests of a 
church in that locality. The estate of Frederick Parker inventoried 
$273,000, most of it inherited from his father. 

George Howland came from Long Plain and started as clerk in the 
counting rooms of William Rotch. Being an apt pupil of unusual ability 
and of great personal confidence he soon started for himself. At thirty- 
five he was president of the Bedford bank, which position he held thirty- 
five years until his death. At one time he owned ten whale ships. He 
built the brick building on the south side of Union street, east of Front 
street, and owned the wharf to the east, the entire property now being 
owned by the Old Colony railroad. He was a director in numerous cor- 
porations and was rated as a millionaire. His taste never led him to 
build a'great house. His only dwelling was a plain wooden structure 
which he built about 181 1 on the northeast corner of Walnut and Seventh 
streets. At his death the business which he established went to his sons, 
George and Matthew. His principal business location was at the foot 
of North street on the north side. Here was a stone building where he 
carried on the manufacture of sperm oil products. Here was his wharf 
and here after him were the headquarters of his sons, George and Mat- 
thew, who succeeded him in business. According to the probate inven- 
tory his estate was valued at $600,000. 

James Arnold came to New Bedford from Rhode Island and began 
his career under the tutorship of William Rotch and married the daugh- 
ter of William Rotch, Jr. At one time he was a member of the firm of 
William Rotch, Jr., & Company. Being a man of broad mind and sound 
financial judgment, such associations would result in his accumulating 
a large fortune. He was one of the most philanthropic men who resided 
in this section. 



132 NEW BEDFORD 

His first house was on the southwest corner of South Water and 
Madison streets and was built by Jonathan Rowland. When the farm 
of Abraham Russell was sold in 1819 by the Bedford Bank, that portion 
west of County and south of Union street was purchased by William 
Rotch. It extended west to Rockdale avenue. That part lying north of 
Arnold street was sold to Mr. Arnold and that south to Cherry street 
and the line of the Swain school property was conveyed to William 
Rotch, Jr. Mr. Arnold built a brick house at the head of Spring street 
and improved the estate bj' groves, greenhouses and all sorts of horticul- 
ture. "Arnold Garden" was a famous point for sight-seers. When Mr. 
Arnold died he devised this estate to William J. Rotch. His estate was 
estimated at $1,400,000. 

The increase in population following the Revolution resulted in the 
building of two meeting houses. The Dartmouth monthly meeting of 
Friends built on the north side of Spring street, west of Sixth street, and 
first erected a wooden structure. Years after the present brick building 
took its place. 

The parish including New Bedford had its meeting house at the 
head of the Acushnet on the hill east of the village. Dr. Samuel West 
was the minister. In 1795 some of the members residing in New Bed- 
ford purchased a lot of land on the northwest corner of Purchase and 
William streets, built a meeting house and arranged that Dr. West should 
also preach there. This was later incorporated and has continued since 
that date, although for many years Unitarian in creed. 

During the period between the two wars with England domestic 
architecture progressed in a singular fashion. In Salem and in Bristol, 
Rhode Island, under somewhat similar conditions, all three localities 
enjoying great maritime prosperity', the wealthy men gave especial atten- 
tion to construction of fine houses. Russell Warren designed several 
houses in Bristol and Samuel Mclntyre in Salem, shortly after 1800, all 
of which are masterpieces. But in New Bedford there was no architect, 
and while there were three Dutch-cap houses like the Mansion House, 
Mariners' Home and the Gideon Howland house on the southwest corner 
of School and Water streets, there were scores of plain, substantial 
houses all of the same style. They were two-story double dwellings, 
with two large chimneys, one near each end. This located the front 
door in the middle of one side and provided a central hall. 

The following houses of this type may be mentioned : On the north 
side of Union street, east of Water street, are two, built in 1792 by Ben- 
jamin Taber for his children. The Caleb Greene house on the northwest 
corner of Union and Sixth streets was built in 1784, and the Dr. Eben- 
ezer Perry house, next west of Richmond's bakery and the New Bedford 
Theatre, about the same time. On the southeast corner of Union and 
Eighth streets is the Paul Howland house, built about 1812. On the 



NEW BEDFORD 



133 



northwest corner of Acushnet avenue and Madison streets stands the 
house of Job Otis, built in 1807, and next north that of Francis Taber, 
built by Caleb Jenney. The house on the southwest corner of Sixth and 
Spring streets was built by Humphrey Russell in 1804, and since 1892 
has been owned by Mrs. Olive P. Ward. The house of William H. Sher- 
man, on the northeast corner of Fourth and School streets, built by Dud- 
ley Davenport, and the house of Charles Russell, on the southwest corner 
of High and Purchase streets, built in 1803, belonged to the same style 
before it was raised. High street was first called Charles from him. 

Samuel Rodman's first house, on the southwest corner of Middle and 
Water streets, built in 1792 by Matthew Howland, was a fine illustration 
of the same design, and so was Thomas Hazard's a block north. In fact, 
they were in every part of the town and many are still standing un- 
changed. 

They were the houses of New Bedford's wealthy men, studiously 
constructed on the same design. Apparently it was satisfactory that all 
good houses should be exactly alike, and the reason is not hard to dis- 
cover. It was an expression of the dominant influence on the social, 
religious and business life of New Bedford of the Society of Friends! 
more general than has been supposed, and of such vitality and persist- 
ence that it can be observed at the present day when the visible appear- 
ance of the Quaker has disappeared. While Friends have claimed to 
strive only for plainness and to avoid ostentation, yet in their zeal to 
accomplish their purpose, they became technical observers of rigid uni- 
formity in dress, speech, mode of living and style of house-building. At 
Nantucket one member was investigated by the meeting for some de- 
parture from the usual type of dwelling, and another for the same reason 
stoutly refused to visit his daughter in her new home. It was no hard- 
ship to them if their houses were all built on the same plan. Hence one 
good style answered for all. A skillful carpenter who could construct 
that style in a desirable manner was in demand, but there was no em- 
ployment for an architect whose object was to secure variety. 

During the period of activity which followed the War of 1812, 
while the style of house changed to another type, yet during the series of 
years there was clear evidence of the same force struggling to prevent 
the introduction of novelty and variety. 

The public house was an important feature in every colonial village, 
particularly on the seaboard. Then liquor was as much an article of 
necessity in a grocery store as molasses, and in old-time advertisements 
both articles are mentioned together. This business, which is now 
treated with contempt and associated with vice, was in those days in the 
hands of men of character and standing, more like the modern drug- 
gists. It was therefore no discredit to a colonial trader or hotel man to 
deal in liquor. Captain Seth Pope, Richard Pierce, minister of the 



134 NEW BEDFORD 

church ; Colonel Samuel Willis and his son, Colonel Ebenezer ; John 
Wady and Samuel Sprague were licensed retailers. So was Seth Spooner, 
and he was representative to the General Court fifteen years, and Peleg 
Rowland was town marshal. 

On the east side of Water street, at the foot of Spring street, John 
Gerrish opened an inn during the year 1780 and continued it over thirty 
years. Then Barney Corey took it for ten years, and after him Thomas 
Cole conducted it for twenty years, under the Sign of the Swan. 

The large building at the southeast corner of Union and Water 
streets was a hotel for over a half century. Joshua Crocker conducted 
it seven years before 1810, and then Barney Corey had it until 1816, when 
Henry Pinkham ran it from 1819 to 1823 under the Sign of the Golden 
Ball. Then Joseph B. Peabody called it the New Bedford Hotel for a 
year, and in 1824 it was conducted by Henry Cannon as the Washington 
Hotel. 

On the southwest corner of Union and Fourth streets, before Ricket- 
son block was built, there was a hotel kept by Nathaniel Nelson as early 
as 1807, and for thirty years after under the name of Eagle Hotel. In 
1824 Barney Corey took the house on the west side of Water street, at 
the head of Commercial street, and kept it for several years. 

The grocers that had licenses were quite numerous. John Proud's 
store was where the south end of Driscoll, Church & Hall's building now 
stands and he was town clerk of New Bedford for fifteen years. On the 
corner of Union and First streets Captain William Ross had a place 
where he had a general store. Samuel W. Heath's store was on the east 
side of Second street, south of Walnut street, where James E. Dwight 
now has a grocery. 

On both sides of Union street, east of Water street, were several 
stores. Daniel Taber & Son were in the building occupied in recent 
years by Charles E. Ellis, and east of this was Caleb Congdon. On the 
south side, where is the store of John A. Wood, was Gamaliel Bryant, 
deacon of the Liberty Hall Church and representative ; also his son-in- 
law, Simpson Hart, and in the same store Andrew Swain and Freeman 
Barrows. Jeremiah Mayhew's store was in the building now owned by 
Davis & Hatch Spice Co. On the corner of Front street was Uriah 
Brownell, the owner and proprietor of Brownell's Wharf. 

On the east side of the river were numerous inns and groceries, par- 
ticularly from the head of Acushnet north on the Boston stage line. 

The War of 181 2, being largely a naval contest, checked all busi- 
ness, although there is no evidence that New Bedford suffered to the 
extent of the damage in the previous conflict. Abraham Russell seems 
to have been the only person who lost his property by reason of the war. 
Yet naturally it required some years to recover the loss and reach the 
former activity. 



NEW BEDFORD 135 

In 1822 a local surveyor named John Pickens recorded that there 
were fifteen wharves and eight spermaceti manufacturers, but he neg- 
lects to name the proprietors. According to the valuable map prepared 
by Gilbert Russell in 1815, there were the same number of wharves, so 
in the meantime there had been no gain in that direction, but the town 
was emerging from the difficulties consequent upon the war, because in 
1821 two insurance companies were incorporated, the Bedford Marine 
and Bedford Commercial. The persons forming the latter were : Gideon 
Howland, Jr., William Rotch, Cornelius Grinnell, Jr., and John How- 
land, Jr. 

There then were two rope walks in the south part of the town. One 
was operated by the Rotches. This was on the north end of the ceme- 
tery on Griffin street and extended from the river west to Acushnet ave- 
nue and covered the south end of George L. Brownell's carriage factory. 
This enterprise was established by Joseph Rotch in 1772, burned by the 
British and rebuilt. It was discontinued before 1831. 

The second factory was owned and operated by Daniel Butler and 
Abraham Allen. It was the same length as the other and was located 
seventy feet south of the line of Griffin street. It was discontinued about 
1840. 

Abraham Allen was the son of James Allen, who owned the Allen 
farm that lay on both sides of Allen street and who occupied the small 
house that has until recently stood opposite the Allen Street Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Abraham Allen lived on the southwest corner of 
.Sixth and Bedford streets. Daniel Butler lived near the rope-walk on the 
northeast corner of Acushnet avenue and Griffin street. 

The fortunes begun before the War of 1812 were greatly increased 
before the Civil War and others were accumulated. The whaling indus- 
try was peculiarly remunerative. Ship-building locally never produced 
any large fortunes, because a well built vessel might last a lifetime, but 
sails, spars and rigging required constant repair and renewal. Ships 
were owned by several individuals. The agent or managing owner gen- 
erally had the largest share and he was frequently a grocer or a clothing 
dealer. Then the sailboat and spar-worker, cordage manufacturer and 
nautical men of every line owned a fraction and each was patronized in 
his particular business. One of the wealthiest men of the present cen- 
tury, Rodolphus Beetle, imtil a few years had a spar yard. A few years 
ago Richard Curtis, a rigger, startled even his friends by leaving an 
estate of $185,000, and a few years later James D. Driggs, a ship black- 
smith, left a snug fortune. Within two years John R. Shurtleflf, a sail- 
maker, died leaving $225,000. 

Some of the wealthy owners like Mr. Howland, Jr., William W. 
Swain and George Howland, instead of engaging in these preliminary 
accessories preferred to have manufactories where the oil was refined 



136 NEW BEDFORD 

for the market or converted into candles. But in either way there was 
the opportunity for profit both in the private business and the returns 
from the voyage. This combined with the prudence and frugality that 
characterized the Quakers may account for the rapid accumulation of so 
many fortunes. 

After the War of 1812 the first prominent financial event was the 
rechartering of the Bedford Commercial Bank in 1816. The principal 
men were William Rotch, Jr., Joseph Ricketson, James Rowland, Gideon 
Howland, Jr., Oliver Crocker, Seth Russell, Jr., John Avery Parker, Cor- 
nelius Grinnell, George Howland, James Arnold, Thomas Nye and Sam- 
uel Rodman, Jr. 

This bank and its successor, the Bank of Commerce, had a building 
on the west side of Water street that occupied the south part of the lot 
now covered by the new bank building that has been given to the Old 
Dartmouth Historical Society. 

In the year 1825 New Bedford had recovered its activity, as evi- 
denced by the organization of two banks. It is said that John Avery 
Parker became dissatisfied with the Bedford Bank and with Daniel R. 
Greene formed the Merchants' Bank. Its first board of directors were 
in addition William H. Allen, Abraham Barker, Joseph Bourne, Alfred 
Gibbs, Job Eddy, John Coggeshall, Jr., and Samuel Borden. It was 
organized in the William H. Allen block and there had its office until in 
1831, with the Mechanics' Bank, it built the stone and brick block at the 
foot of William street. 

The New Bedford Institution for Savings was incorporated the same 
year. Its first trustees were William Rotch, William C. Nye, Hayden 
Coggeshall, Abraham Sherman, Jr., Eli Haskel. John Howland, Jr., John 
Avery Parker, Thomas A. Greene, William P. Grinnell, Charles W. Mor- 
gan, Nathan Bates, Joseph Bourne, Samuel Rodman, Jr., Gideon How- 
land, and John Coggeshall, Jr. 

On the north side of Union street, next to the corner of Water street, 
was the store of A. Sherman, Jr. In the room upstairs this bank was 
organized and there was its ofifices until 1832, when it purchased a strip 
of land between Rodman and Hamilton streets at the rear of the Mer- 
chants' and Mechanics' bank block, and erected a two-story brick build- 
ing which was its headquarters until 1855, when it built the bank on the 
corner of William and Second streets. Its other brick building was later 
owned by Benjamin Lindsey, proprietor of "The Mercury'" and then pur- 
chased by the Merchants' and Mechanics' banks. 

In 183 1, under the leadership of William R. Rodman and Thomas 
Mandell, the Mechanics' Bank was organized with the following direc- 
tors : Pardon Tillinghast, Edmund Gardner, Andrew Robeson, Joseph 
R. Shiverick, George T. Baker, Dudley Davenport, and John Perkins. 
This corporation with the Merchants' Bank purchased the land at the 



NEW BEDFORD 137 

foot of William street and built the brick block, so that the Merchants' 
Bank owned the south half and the Mechanics' Bank the other. 

The next year the Marine Bank was organized, it being the same in- 
stitution as the First National Bank. Its first officers were : Joseph Grin- 
nell, president; directors — William W. Swain, Joseph R. Anthony, Ben- 
jamin Russell, Joseph S. Tillinghast, Nathaniel S. Hathaway, Ephorium 
Kempton, and Stephen Alex. H. Campbell. Since it was established it 
has occupied the same building on the corner of Union and Second 
streets. 

From 1825 New Bedford capital was combined in all sorts of corpor- 
ations and for a city of its size there was more wealth than in any locality 
in the world. 




CHAPTER XXI. 

Old Buildings in New Bedford Described by the Late Henry Rowland 

Crapo, Compiled About 1841. 

On the northwest corner of Union and Sixth streets was a house 
owned and occupied by Caleb Greene, the most westerly one at the time, 
it being the present John Bailey house. Greene was an apothecary and 
occupied one of the stores in the building which was burnt on the corner 
of Union aixd Water streets, near the present shop of E. Thornton, Jr. 
He was the son-in-law of Joseph Russell, the first man in the place. His 
family averaged twenty-one persons. 

A house owned and occupied by Humphrey Howland, situate next 
east of the last, and being the house now belonging to William How- 
land (2d) and his mother. He was the son of Isaac Howland, Sr., and 
the brother of the late Isaac Howland, Jr. He was a merchant, tended 
store occasionally, worked in the candle works some, etc. He was rich. 

A brick house owned and occupied by Isaac Howland, Sr., standing 
next east of the last and where Cheapside block now is. He was a mer- 
chant, and had two sloops out whaling at the commencement of the war. 

A house occupied by Richard Bentley, a Scotchman, being the pres- 
ent William Tobey house on the northwest corner of Union and Pur- 
chase streets. He owned a little schooner and followed coasting along 
shore. 

A house owned and occupied by Stephen Potter, the husband of 
Lydia Potter, now living on Kempton street, stood next west of the last 
and directly opposite the Eagle Hotel. It was one story and very old 
at the time. This house was moved to Kempton street, No. 152, and 
called the Harper house. Potter was a journeyman blacksmith. 

A house built by Elihu GifTord, father of the present Abraham Gif- 
ford, standing west of the preceding. Elihu Giflford sold it. Don't know 
who lived in it. It is the Jeremiah Mayhew house, now standing. The 
east part of the Masonic building stands on this site. 

A house owned and occupied by Barney Russell, son of Joseph, 
standing on the northeast corner of Union and Purchase, occupying the 
present site of the Dr. Reed house. This is the house now owned by 
Edward Stetson, on Purchase street, having been moved there. Barney 
Russell was a merchant. He had three or four sloops whaling and sev- 
eral West India men. 

A house owned and occupied by Joseph Rotch and now occupied by 
Hannah Case stood on the northwest corner of Union and Bethel streets. 
It was the first house he built after coming from Nantucket. He was the 
grandfather of the present William Rotch, Jr., and died in this house. 




"JOHNXY CAKK HILL;" HijUSE AT Ci.iKN'KK 18 Ol.l>K.ST IN NEW DEDFORD. 



NEW BEDFORD 139 

Before moving here he examined the depth of water in the harbor, etc. 
He was a shoemaker by trade, but never carried it on here. After the 
village was burnt he moved to Nantucket, but returned again at the close 
of the war. 

A house occupied by Avery Parker as a public house on the north- 
east corner of Bethel and Union streets, being the same in which Snell's 
fruit shop now is. He was the grandfather of the present Elisha Parker, 
was a housewright by trade and kept a public house in this building dur- 
ing the war. 

A two-story store standing on the four corners where Allen Kelly 
now keeps. It was occupied as a variety store — groceries, dry goods, 
etc., and was owned by Seth Russell, Sr. It was the same building 
recently standing on Whittemore lot, near his soap works, and now 
moved south. (The Russell store stood on the northwest corner of 
Water and Union streets). 

A long store one and one-half stories high, fronting west and occu- 
pied by Joseph Russell, son of Caleb, Sr., who subsequently moved to 
Boston. He was the half-brother of Caleb, Jr. (Caleb, Sr., was the 
father of the present Reuben). The south part of this building was 
occupied by Joseph Russell, as aforesaid, as a grocery store, including 
rum, etc. The north part by Caleb Greene as an apothecary shop. The 
part next south of the last by Charles Church, shoemaker. (This build- 
ing stood on the northeast corner of Water and Union streets, and was 
burnt by the British). 

A gambrel-roofed house, standing where the William Russell paint 
shop now stands on the northwest corner of Union and Orange (after- 
wards Front) streets, owned and occupied by Benjamin Taber, Sr. (the 
father of Benjamin Taber, Jr., who removed from Acushnet to Illinois). 
Taber was a boat builder and pump and block maker, and his shop stood 
in the rear, or to the north of this house. The latter was burnt by the 
British. 

The present dwelling house on the southwest corner of Fifth and 
Union streets was built and occupied by John Williams, a saddle and 
harness maker. His shop was adjoining the house on the west. 

The house now occupied by Elisha W. Kempton, called the West 
house (next west of Ricketson's block), was built and occupied by 
Gamaliel Bryant, Sr., grandfather of the present Frederick. He was a 
housewright. He sold the house afterwards to Captain Elisha West, 
who moved here from Holmes' Hole. 

A house, being a part of the present Eagle Hotel, built by Elihu 
Gififord, who occupied it at his time, but afterwards sold it to Isaac How- 
land, Jr. Gifford was a house carpenter by trade, but worked at any- 
thing. (Eagle Hotel was on southwest corner of Union and Fourth 
streets). ?; 



140 NEW BEDFORD 

The one-story house now standing on southeast corner of Union 
and Fourth streets, and east of the Eagle Hotel, owned and occupied by 
John Atkins, until his death. He was a cooper by trade, but did not 
carry it on since I can remember. He followed the seas. He was the 
son-in-law of Caleb Russell, Sr., and the husband of Peace Akins, whom 
Gilbert attempted to carry from Joseph Russell's, etc. 

The house now standing on the southwest corner of Union and 
Third streets, the basement being now occupied by Noah Clark as a 
grocery, was occupied and owned by Daniel Ricketson, father of the 
present Joseph. He was a cooper by trade, and married the eldest daugh- 
ter of Joseph Russell. 

A house on the southeast corner of Union and Third streets, where 
Barrows's store now stands, owned and occupied by William Tallman, 
father of the present William. He was a merchant tailor, and his shop 
was at the corner of Orange and Centre streets. He owned a farm up 
north, etc. This house is the west part of the present Calvin B. Brooks 
house (on southwest corner of Walnut and Water streets). 

A long block of shops, one story high, opposite the Mansion House, 
and extending eastward along the south side of Union street to First 
street. They were occupied as a barber's shop, tailor's shop, shoemaker's 
shop, etc. The whole block was burnt by the British. 

The house on the southwest corner of Union and South Water 
streets, being the Martha Hussey building, was owned and occupied by 
Elnathan Samson, who was a blacksmith. His shop stood at the west of 
the house. 

A house (now occupied by Robert Taber as a tavern) standing on 
the southeast corner of Union and South Water streets, built, owned and 
occupied by Simeon Nash (father of the present Thomas and Simeon), 
who was a housewright. 

A house on the edge of the bank, standing about where Bates & 
Haskins paint shop is, owned and occupied by William Myricks, who 
died in it. He was a cooper and the brother of Benjamin, who was 
drowned in getting up cannon opposite Crow Island. They have left no 
posterity. (It stood on the south side of Union, about 50 feet west of 
Front). 

A house on Third street (the Philips house, corner of Third and 
Market square), one story high, built and occupied by Ishmael Tripp, a 
cooper, and the grandfather of the present Ishmael. It has recently been 
raised up two stories and repaired. 

A house in front of the present dwelling house of William Bliss, on 
Third street, standing within the present lines of Third street. This 
house was owned by Joseph Rotch, and occupied by Thomas Miles, who 
was a rope-maker and worked for said Rotch in his rope-walk, the west 
end of which was near this house. Miles came from Boston. The house 




)RX1':R of I'Xl'MN AXI' IMKi'HASE STRKKTS IN liil> 



NEW BEDFORD 141 

was burnt by the British. William Bliss built the smaller house on the 
west side of Acushnet avenue, the third south of the corner of Russell 
street. 

A house standing on the site of the old market, owned and occupied 
by Joseph Austin, a hatter, whose shop stood on First street, near Union. 
This shop was subsequently bought by William Bliss and formed a part 
of his present dwelling house. The old market was the Central police 
station of 1908. 

The house was moved south to the John Coggeshall lot and is the 
same that was recently occupied by Alfred Kendrick, being No. 23 South 
Second street. 

A house built and occupied by Silas Sweet, a blacksmith, being the 
"George Dunham house," and now occupied by George W. Sherman. 
Sweet sold out and moved to the State of New York. 

A house built and occupied by James Davis until his death. He was 
a tanner and currier. This house stood on the east side of South Second 
street, opposite the Market ; had a gambrel roof and is now owned by 
Bethuel Penniman. (Next south of southeast corner of Union and Sec- 
ond streets). 

A handsome two-story house, built, owned and occupied by Wil- 
liam Claggon, master mariner, standing on the west side of Water street, 
and a little north of the Cory tavern. This house was burnt by the Brit- 
ish, and stood at the head of Commercial street, next north of the brick 
house. 

A house standing obliquely with Water street, on the west side 
thereof, at the head of Commercial street and partly upon the present 
site of the Cory tavern and partly upon that of the Hill house, two story 
in front and one in rear. This house was built and occupied by John 
Louden, formerly of Pembroke. He was a ship carpenter, and carried 
on ship-building here. His ship-yard was on the east side of Water 
street, northeast from (now) Cole's stable and tavern and between Water 
street and the present Commercial and Steamboat wharves. Louden 
kept a public house here at the time. This house was burnt by the Brit- 
ish. Louden moved back to Pembroke soon after the war. 

A house built and occupied by David Shepherd, a cooper, standing 
on South Water street, at the northwest corner of School street, now 
standing and known by the name of the "Shepherd House." He carried 
on more business (coopering) than any other person here. 

The present Gideon Howland house, three stories high, standing on 
the hill, southwest corner of South Water and School streets. This 
house was occupied by Thomas Hathaway, who built it. He was a boat- 
builder subsequently to the landing of the British ; moved up to the house 
now called the "Nash Home." Immediately after the landing of the 
British it was let by Mr. Hathaway to one Job Anthony for a rendezvous. 



14^ NEW BEDFORD 

The officers of the sloop "Providence" and other armed vessels, quartered 
in a part of this house when in port. The Rowland house was built 
about 1795, after Thomas Hathaway had sold the house that he had 
erected. 

The house built and occupied by John Rowland, the father of the 
late Resolved Rowland, by his first wife, the daughter of David Smith, 
of Dartmouth, and of John and James Rowland by his second wife, the 
daughter of David Shepherd. He was both a merchant and mariner. 
This is the house now occupied by Reliance Rowland, No. 45 South 
Water street (and stood on the west side of Water, next south of the 
corner of School). 

The Fitch house, so called, now standing at the southwest corner of 
Water and Walnut streets. This house was built by Joseph Rotch for 
Griffin Barney, Sr., who occupied it at the time the British troops landed, 
etc. Griffin Barney, Jr., (the late Griffin Barney) was not married at the 
time and lived here with his father. The elder Griffin was boss of the 
rope-walks owned by Joseph Rotch (being the only ones then in the 
place), which were burned, and carried on business in the same. 

The brick house now standing on South Water street, between 
Walnut and Madison streets. This house was built and occupied by 
Charles Hudson, a mason, who moved afterwards to Newport, Rhode 
Island. He built the house himself. 

The James Allen house (James Allen was a tailor), so called, stand- 
ing next south of the last. Don't know who built this house (Moses 
Grinnell, 1778) ; it is very old. It was occupied by Wally Adams, the 
father of the present Thomas. Adams did not own it ; he occupied it as 
a boarding house. Don't know his occupation. 

The "William Russell house," near the foot of School street, built 
by William Russell, Sr., who always lived in it. Re was a cooper and 
carried on the business a while. 

A house built and occupied by John Gerrish as a public house, stand- 
ing where Cole's tavern now stands. This was burnt by the British. 
After the war Gerrish built the present house on the same cellar. He 
was a pump and block maker. This house stood on east side of Water 
street at the foot of Spring. 

A small gambrel-roofed house, built and occupied by John ChaiTy, 
standing on the lot next north of the John Rowland house, and on the 
lot afterwards owned by Alex Howard. ChafJy was a refiner of oil in 
the candle works, and the first man here at that business. He stole the 
art from an Englishman. He worked in the candle house belonging to 
Joseph Russell, on Centre street, whilst he was in company with Isaac 
Rowland. This was all the candle house at the time. A short time 
before the British burnt, Russell & Rowland had some difficulty and 
dissolved, Russell occupying the old works on Centre street and How- 



NEW BEDFORD 143 

land building, etc. After the fire Chaffy was a constable. This house 
stood on the northeast corner of South Water and Commercial streets. 

A long building, one and a half stories high, standing on the site of 
the present yellow store, Commercial Wharf. The west end of this was 
occupied as a distillery (to make New England rum of molasses, etc.) by 
Isaac Rowland, Sr. The east end was occupied by Howland as a candle 
works. This building was erected by Isaac Howland after the dissolu- 
tion of co-partnership between him and Joseph Russell and was the sec- 
ond candle house in town, etc. This building was burnt by the British 
together with a large quantity of New England rum. Russell being a 
Quaker was opposed to distilleries. The stone block on north side of 
Commercial street is on the above site. 

The house next north of Hannah Case's and now occupied by Wal- 
ter Chapman was built and occupied by Charles Church, who was 
drowned near Crow Island, say 30 years of age. He was a shoemaker. 
The Case house stood on the northwest corner of Union and Bethel. 

The house next north of the last and now occupied by the Rev. Mr. 
Mudge. It was built and occupied by Colonel Edward Pope, the col- 
lector, who subsequently sold it to William Hayden. 

A small gambrel-roofed house standing upon the present site of the 
Bethel. It was built by Tim Ingraham (grandfather of the present Rob- 
ert), who commanded the fort. His son, Timothy, the father of Robert, 
was a barber and his shop was in the long string of buildings or stores 
on the south side of Union street, between Second and First streets. 
This house was subsequently pulled down. 

The house where Prescott's office now is — North Water street — was 
built by Seth Russell, Sr., and was occupied by Widow Doubleday, as 
already stated. Mr. Russell lived in this house before the war. Upon 
the commencement of the war he moved up to his farm, now owned by 
Timothy G. Coffin. This house was set on fire three different times by 
the British soldiers, which was as often extinguished in their presence 
by the heroic Mrs. D. Upon. Being asked by them if she was not afraid 
thus to oppose them, she fearlessly replied that she "Never saw a man 
she was afraid of." This boldness so pleased the soldiers that they de- 
sisted from any further attempt to fire the house, which was accordingly 
saved, together with a large amount of goods then stored in the cellar 
(liquors). At this date Judge Prescott's office was on the west side of 
North Water street, next to the corner of Union. 

A house standing next north of the last and separate from it by an 
alley. This house was one story and very old at the time. Don't know 
who built it. It was occupied during the war by John Shearman, father 
of the present Thurston Shearman. It was a long house with the end 
to the street and its front to the aforesaid alley or court. John Shearman 
was a blacksmith. The house was called "the old Seth Russell house." 



144 NEW BEDFORD 

A house next north of the last standing where the south part of the 
William H. Allen brick block now stands. It was built by Daniel Smith, 
who owned and occupied it. He was a tailor and had a small shop on the 
north side of "Main street," near where Nathaniel Roger's barber shop 
now is. This shop was not noted among the buildings on Union street. 
It was subsequently pulled down. 

A house next north of the last occupying the site of the northerly 
part of the said William H. Allen brick block. It was built by Abraham 
Smith, who owned and occupied it. He was a blacksmith and his shop 
was on the north side of Centre street, a few rods east of Water street. 
He was the son of Jonathan Smith, living at the "north end" at this time. 

A one-story, gambrel-roofed house standing at the north end of the 
present Commercial Bank, on the hill. It was built, owned and occupied 
by Joseph Rotch, who came from the Vineyard. He was a master mari- 
ner and was called "Captain Joseph Rotch." Burnt by British. 

A large house, two and a half or three stories high, standing on the 
same cellar as the house recently occupied and now owned by William 
Rotch, Jr. It was built and owned by Joseph Rotch, the first settler. 
He lived in it after he left his old home, where Harriet Case now lives, 
as already stated ; but at the time of the British landing he resided, Mr. 
Gilbert thinks, at Nantucket. The house at this time was occupied by 
Joseph Austin, a hatter, who carried on the hatting business in a shop on 
Union street, which now forms a part of William Bliss' house, on Third 
street. The Rotch house stood on the southwest corner of Water and 
William streets. It is now the Mariners' Home on Bethel street, pre- 
sented to the Port Society by Mrs. James Arnold, daughter of William 
Rotch, Jr., in 1851, and moved to its present location. 

A house standing on North Water street, on the north side of the lot 
occupied by the late Samuel Rodman, and near the edge of the bank be- 
tween this lot and the present Benjamin Rodman lot. It was built by 
James Smith, who occupied it, and was pulled down some 20 years since. 
Mr. Smith was a cooper and "carried on the business." Some say this 
is the "oldest house, etc.," but Gilbert says the Loudon house is the 
oldest. James B. Congdon says this house was built by his grandfather, 
Benjamin Taber, etc. The Rodman house stood on the northwest cor- 
ner of Water and William streets. 

A large wooden, one-story building standing partly where Mark B. 
Palmer's shop now is, and thence extending easterly to the "Horton 
Bake House." This was built by Joseph Russell and occupied as a 
candle house by him and Isaac Howland, who were in company during 
the commencement of the war. But having some little difficulty they 
dissolved, upon which Isaac built the other, which he had occupied as a 
distillery and candle works but a short time when it was burnt by the 
British, as before stated. This was the first candle works in town, and 



NEW BEDFORD i45 

was occupied by Joseph Russell after the dissolution of co-partnership. 
It was located on the south side of Centre street, half way between 
Water and Front. 

A cooper's shop stood at the southeast corner of the last and be- 
longed to Joseph Russell. 

A boat builder's shop standing upon the present site of the store now 
occupied by Daniel Perry, extending from the house on the corner north- 
erly to where Joseph Taber's shop now stands. It was a long building 
set in the bank two stories in front and one in rear. The first story was 
occupied as a pump and block maker's shop and the second story as a 
boat-builder's shop, which was long enough to set up three boats in a 
string. The whole was carried on by Benjamin Taber, St., who lived 
in the house adjoining on the corner, where the paint shop now stands. 
It was located on the west side of Front, next north of the corner of 
Union. Front street was originally named Orange. Joseph Taber's 
shop is the stone building on the west side of Front street at the corner 
of Rose alley. 

A two-story wooden store standing on the present corner of Orange 
and Centre streets, and where the \Villiam Tallman brick store now is. 
It was built by William Tallman, Sr., and occupied by him as a grocery 
store in the first story, and as a merchant tailor's store in the second 
story. 

A store standing east of the last and where Orange street now runs, 
built and occupied by Joseph Russell. The front was two stories and 
the rear one. It stood into the bank of rock. The first story was occu- 
pied as a grocery and the second as a dry goods store, and the whole was 
carried on by his son Gilbert. This was burnt : goods principally saved. 
Some powder having been left, it blew up with a great report. No one 
hurt. 

The "Try Works," a building one story high, a sort of shed, etc., 
stood in front of the Joseph Russell house and nearly at the intersection 
of the present Orange and Centre streets, leaving a passway between it 
and the last. This belonged to Joseph Russell and was used for trying 
out blubber, which was "brought in" in scuttled hogsheads in small ves- 
sels. Russell was the only person who carried on the whaling business 
before the war. Think Russell had no vessel south of the gulf stream 
before the war. Try works burnt by British. 

The Joseph Rotch store stood somewhere, Mr. Gilbert thinks, near 
the east end of the present Andrew Robeson's candle works, but he can- 
not say exactly where. Joseph Rotch owned several vessels. Store 
burnt by the British. The Robeson candle works was the stone building 
on east side of Water street, corner of Rodman street. 

The present Silas Kempton house at southwest corner of North 

N B— 10 



146 NEW BEDFORD 

Second and Elm streets. It then stood in the pasture or meadow. It was 
built and occupied by his father, Manassah Kempton, who was a ship- 
wright. 

A house standing on the present High street, and a little to the west 
of the late Benjamin Kempton house at the corner of High and North 
Second street. This was an old one-story house and was built by Benja- 
min Kempton, Sr., father of the late Benjamin Kempton. He was a 
caulker. This was one of the Asa Smith buildings of Ark memory ; that 
is, it was moved east of William Ellis's house and burnt with the Ark. 
The Ark was the merchant brig, "Indian Chief." 

House owned, occupied and built by Benjamin Butler standing on 
the east side of Clark's Neck. Only house on the point. Same house 
which Judah Butler now lives in, and Benjamin was the father of Judah 
and he was a cooper. (Standing on the south side of Butler street, now 
East French avenut). 

A house standing at the present foot of Mill street, on Ray street, 
east side, two-story house. Built by George East, who occupied it at 
that time and until his death. He was a mason and came from Rhode 
Island. Ray street is now Acushnet avenue. 

House standing where Third street now runs, immediately in front 
of the house where William Bliss now lives (the third house on the west 
side of Acushnet avenue south of Russell street). It was two stories and 
stood near the rope walk which occupied what is now Morgan's Lane. 
The house in which Mr. Bliss now lives, or a part of it, was a hatter's 
shop and stood near the "four corners." This was first moved on the 
cellar of the above house, but subsequently, on the laying out of Third 
street, moved back to its present site. In this shop John Coggeshall, 
Caleb Congdon and Cornelius Grinnell learned the hatter's trade. The 
shingles on the north end of this house were put on before the Revolu- 
tion. 

The long one-story house built, owned and occupied until he died 
by Jonathan Smith stood next south of the present Amos Simmons store 
on North Second street (this stood near North street). He was the 
grandfather of Asa Smith. He was a blacksmith and his shop stood 
south of his house and where Jacob Parker now lives. This house was 
moved up to Nigger Town and is now cut in two and makes the two 
William Reed houses west of Dudley's. (This was Chepachet). 

The two-story house corner of North Second and North street now 
occupied by Amos Simmons. This was built, owned and occupied by 
Jonathan Russell, a cooper, who carried on coopering in the cellar. He 
was the brother of old William Russell. They came from Nantucket. 
(House now standing on northeast corner). 

A one-story house built by George Glaggon, a shipwright, standing 
right east of the last house, fronting to the west. It is a part of the pres- 



NEW BEDFORD 



147 



ent house now standing there (the southwest part), now belonging to 
Andrew Robeson. This gentleman was a colonel in the Revolutionary 
Continental army. After the war he was employed as head boss of the 
yard to build the frigate "Constitution," and for that purpose moved his 
whole family to Boston. He subsequently moved back again and after 
moved to Rehoboth. Peter Lewis's wife of this town was his daughter. 
Building the "Constitution" spoilt him. 

A house now belonging to and occupied by Susan Maxfield, standing 
on the northwest corner of North Second and North streets. It was built 
by Patrick Maxfield, the son of Timothy Maxfield, Sr., who lived in 
Dartmouth. Patrick was a master mariner and uncle of the present 
Humphrey Maxfield. He has no posterity. 

A house on southwest corner of North Second and Maxfield streets, 
the present Humphrey Maxfield house. It was built by Zadoc Maxfield, 
who owned and occupied it. He was a cooper and worked in under part 
of it, where his son did. Humphrey was his youngest son. 

A one-story house on southwest corner of Ray and North streets 
now owned and occupied by James Bates. This was built, owned and 
occupied by Jabez Hammond, Sr. He was a cooper and worked in cellar 
or basement part of it. He was father to John Gilbert's wife and came 
from Mattapoisett. Old John Chace's wife was this man's sister, making 
John Gilbert's wife own cousin to my grandmother. 

A one-story house on the west side of Ray street, now standing and 
occupied by Asa Dillingham (on the northwest corner of Ray and Max- 
field). Don't know who built it. James Chandler owned and occupied 
it. He was an Englishman. He was the grandfather of Thomas R. 
Chandler, who lived with William Rotch. He was a shoemaker and 
worked in basement. He was a soldier during the war. 

A small house now standing on Ray street and next north of the 
last. It was built, owned and occupied by Thomas West, a very old 
man at the time and did not work. Think he was the grandfather of 
John P. West. 

A small one-story house standing west of the last (being the house 
on Purchase street below the bank). It was built by Simeon Price, Sr., 
father of the present Simeon. He lived in it and owned it. He was a 
cooper, I think. (Demolished this winter; stood on site of new rink). 

A two-story house in front and one-story in rear on southeast corner 
of County and Cove streets, fronting south and standing on the same 
cellar as the present Cove House. Was built by Benjamin Allen, grand- 
father of the present Humphrey Allen. He was a farmer. This house 
was afterwards pulled down. 

The present Timothy Akin's house. This was built, owned and 
occupied by Caleb Russell, Jr., the father of Reuben. He was a cooper, 



148 NEW BEDFORD 

but followed farming during the war. (It stood on northwest corner 
County and Rockland streets). 

The house west of the Seth Russell new house and now occupied by 
Ichabod Coggeshall was built, occupied and owned by old Caleb Russell. 
He was a farmer. (It was on the northwest corner of Count}' and W'ash- 
ington streets). 

A house on the corner of County and Allen, the present Ezekiel 
Tripp house. This was built, owned and occupied by James Allen, a 
farmer called "Lazy Jim," father of Abram and John. (It was opposite 
the Methodist church). 

A small shop standing on the corner of South Second and Union 
streets, where William Tallman's house now is. It was a dry goods store 
and occupied by them. Gilbert thinks it not here till after the fire. This 
shop formerly stood at the Tallman farm, was moved down here and 
afterwards moved back to the farm, and thence moved to east side of 
Ray street, where the dye establishment now is, and was then torn down 
and burnt up. 

A house standing on west side of County street and near the present 
residence of Joseph Grinnell. It was two stories and was built and 
owned by Jonathan Smith, who lived on North Second street, as above 
stated. Don't know who lived in it. (This was at the head of Russell 
street). 

An old house standing near where William R. Rotch's house now is, 
two stories in front and one in rear, fronting south. John Akins occu- 
pied it. He was a cooper, but followed the seas — master. The house 
belonged to Joseph Russell and was built by his father, whose name, I 
think, was Joseph, and who was not living during the war. This was 
his homestead, one of the very oldest houses here. (This stood on west 
side of County street at head of Walnut street). 

The house of Joseph Russell stood southeast of Charles W. Mor- 
gan's on the corner of County and Morgan streets, and is now owned by 
William. Read, who moved it, as before stated. It was built by Colonel 
Samuel Willis, a colonel in the French war, who was the father of Eben- 
ezer, who lived by John A. Parker's present house. The son Ebenezer 
was a major in the militia in the first of the war. He was uncle to 
Pamelia Willis, now living, who was the daughter of Jireh Willis. 

The Russell house was the headquarters of all gentlemen and troops 
during the war. There was no other suitable house for gentlemen to put 
up at. There were in the place three taverns, but they were rough places. 

A house near Kempton's corner, on west side of County street, now 
occupied by Sylvia Hill, sister of Obed Kempton and married Captain 
Benjamin Hill, Sr. This house was built, occupied and owned by 
Ephraim Kempton, father of said Sylvia, who died in it. He was a ship- 



NEW BEDFORD 149 

wright and a caulker. The house was two stories in front and one in the 
rear (and stood on northwest corner of Kempton street). 

A house standing on the west side of County street and a little north 
of the David Kempton house, at the head of North street, two stories in 
front and one in rear. Ephraim Kempton (2d) owned it and lived in it. 
He was a farmer. Don't know the connection between him and Ephraim 
Kempton, Sr. He was the father of the present Ephraim Kempton. 

A house standing on Walden street, two stories in the front, west 
side stuccoed (think John Burgess lives in it). It was built by Colonel 
Thomas Kempton, in the Revolutionary army. He occupied it till his 
death. He served through the war. He was brother to Ephraim Kemp- 
ton (2d). 

An old house standing a little west of where John Avery Parker's 
house now stands ; large two-story house. It was built by Ebenezer 
Willis, Sr., the colonel in the French war, and his son Ebenezer occupied 
it, and kept a public house in it. Probate courts were held in it. It was 
burnt during the war, but not by the English. It took fire from an old 
woman's pipe, a coal falling into some flax. A house was afterwards 
built by Ebenezer, Jr., on the same spot, which was recently moved onto 
Purchase street. Ebenezer, Sr. and Jr., were both farmers. Ebenezer, 
Jr., was a major in the militia in the first part of the war. Think this was 
the only fire before Abram Russell's. 

(Note — There is an error in this account. The first house was built 
by Colonel Samuel Willis, who died in 1765 and left the north third part 
of his farm between Franklin and Linden streets to his son Jireh, as 
suggested in the next paragraph, and the remainder to his son. Major 
Ebenezer Willis. Neither had any sons). 

A house standing at the crotch of the County road and Perry's Neck 
road and north of Robeson's new house, called the old Willis house. It 
was occupied by Jireh Willis, a lawyer, and I think the only lawyer in 
the place. It was entailed, etc., said Jireh owning a life estate. Think 
it was built by his father, Ebenezer Willis, Sr. (His father was Samuel 
and the house was on the northwest corner of County and Robeson 
street. Robeson's house was the stone dwelling owned later by Dr. H. 
M. Dexter). 

The Benjamin Rodman farm house on Purchase street, built, owned 
and occupied by Samuel West, father of Stephen West, the poundkeeper. 
He was a farmer. It stood near the southwest corner of Purchase and 
Weld streets. 



CHAPTER XXII. 
Gossip of the High and Far-Off Times. 

New Bedford is particularly fortunate in the preservation of elab- 
orate records, not only of historical incidents, but of little events, and 
several very interesting manuscripts relating to the personal character- 
istics of the men and women who were conspicuous in the far-off days 
are preserved. William Logan Fisher, who married a daughter of the 
late Samuel Rodman, wrote out his reminiscences in the latter years of 
his life and the manuscript is still preserved. 

Among other things one may learn from it that the local institution 
known as "the 9 o'clock bell," which is preserved on the theory that it 
was dear to our ancestors, never met universal approbation. Alluding 
to the laying of the cornerstone of the library, he says in a paper dated 
December 20, 1856: "The bell of the old Congregational meeting house, 
a part of which has been deposited in the cornerstone, was an affair of 
subscription. It was regularly rung at 9 o'clock, to the disturbance of 
many at evening parties, and in the morning awakened many a lazy man 
from the slumbers. The largest subscriber to this bell was a colored 
man. I knew him well and believe his name was Aaron Child." 

Writing of New Bedford people in 1795, Mr. Fisher said: 

At that period Joseph Ricketson kept a retail store at the northeast 
corner of what was then known as the "Four Corners." His first wife, 
the daughter of James Howland, was esteemed the handsomest woman 
in New Bedford. She was the sister of Betsey Howland, who was married 
to William Tallman. Taking advantage of the absence of their parents 
at meeting, they had the marriage ceremony performed to suit them- 
selves. 

The northwest corner of the "Four Corners" was owned by Seth 
Russell & Sons and occupied by Preserved Fish, after an eminent mer- 
chant in New York, and Joseph Maxwell, under the firm name of Fish & 
Maxwell. Fish was at that time master of a small vessel named "Trial," 
belonging at Oxford, generally called Poverty Point. The Social Library 
was established in the next building north, upstairs. The residence of 
Charles Russell was next door. 

George Howland, father of George Howland, Jr., at one time mayor, 
was wellnigh being cut ofif in his youth. He was determined to try his 
fortune in foreign adventure. His clothing was packed up for the voyage 
and placed on board the brig "Eliza," Josiah Kempton, master, then 
bound to Spain. Seemingly accidental circumstances, and perhaps bitter 
reflection, prevented his embarking. This vessel went to sea and was 
never heard from. 

At this period the only road out of the village was the main street, 
thence up to the country road, turning to the north or south, as occasion 
might require. The writer (Mr. Fisher) was the first person who trav- 



NEW BEDFORD 151 

elled with a horse on Purchase street, now the main thoroughfare. There 
was a footpath, and by throwing down a few stones and jumping his 
horse the feat was accomplished, to the annoyance of those who did not 
like to have their stonewalls disturbed. 

In 1798 there was but one four-wheeled pleasure carriage in the 
town, and but few chaises. I witnessed the putting on of the first pair 
of suspenders that were ever used in the town as a part of male attire, 
in reference to which a valuable old Friend remarked that he hoped he 
would always have hips to keep up his breeches. Yet eventually this 
Friend adopted the use of them himself. 

Mr. Fisher writes at length of the literary quality of the citizens of 
one hundred years ago, but says one of the early ministers of the Con- 
gregational Society pained him by asking him whether he believed there 
ever was a person who would not prefer first seeing the new moon over 
the right shoulder. And a Quaker of some pretension of the time when 
Bonaparte's name was in every mind, seriously asked a company in 
Joseph Ricketson's store whether Bonaparte was an island or mainland. 
Thereafter he was generally called Bonaparte. William S. Wall and 
Mary Rotch were the individuals best informed and most prominent in 
the literary life of the day. 

The only physician in the town was Ebenezer Perry. In 1795 his 
charge was sixpence a visit and this may have accounted for the fact that 
no competitors arose to share his practice. An English woman, who 
was visiting here, was so astounded at the meagre charge that she re- 
quested she might be furnished with particulars for exhibition in Eng- 
land. Thereafter Dr. Perry raised his fee to a shilling. Mr. Fisher says 
there was deficiency in surgery and he recalls that John Rowland acci- 
dentally put his shoulder out of joint and "was nearly pulled to pieces in 
the attempt to replace it, and finally had to wait several days until Sweet, 
the natural bone-setter, was brought from Narragansett, when by the aid 
of a lever under his arm-pit, it was immediately replaced." Mr. How- 
land, it should be said for the benefit of Dr. Perry's memory, was not 
originally attended by the latter physician. 

Mr. Fisher also set up the claim that the first inflammable gas for 
burning, made north of Mason and Dixon's line, was made in New Bed- 
ford by William Sawyer Hall and himself. "An Englishman," he writes, 
"of whom we knew something, Benjamin Henfrey, had made the experi- 
ment in Baltimore, and having retorts, we made the gas with complete 
success. The retorts were broken by the dryness of the materials, how- 
ever, and the extreme heat, but we preserved them as trophies for a long 
time. Thus the place that provided the most oil was the first in New 
England to manufacture the gas that was destined to supersede it." 

Mr. Fisher says the real mechanical genius of the day was David 
Grieves, who experimented for a long time, under the patronage of Wil- 



152 NEW BEDFORD 

liam Rotch, Jr., in the attempt to spin hemp and flax by machinery. He 
was so disappointed at failure that his mind seems to have been affected. 
He wore a waistcoat of his own invention. It was alike inside and out, 
with rows of buttons within and without. Grieves held the theory that it 
would be perpetually clean — that when the outside became dirty by 
turning it inside out it would eventually wear clean on his shirt. An- 
other of his conceits was to propel a boat upward by the downward cur- 
rent, and this experiment he proposed to try on the Mississippi. 

Many distinguished men were our visitors a hundred years ago, who 
expressed much pleasure at the simple hospitality with which they were 
received. Among them was John de Marsiellac from Languodoc, who 
read the petition from William Rotch to the national assembly of France, 
in reply to which Mirabeau, the president of the French national assem- 
bly, made a beautiful apostrophe to the Quakers. 

"I was present," writes Fisher, "when he alighted from the stage at 
William Rotch's door, and remember the earnest kisses which he be- 
stowed upon the cheeks of the venerable man. There was General Lin- 
coln, of Revolutionary memory, who received the sword of Cornwallis 
and led him out as his prisoner at Yorktown. There was Count Rocham- 
beau Liancourt, Peter Grant of Italy and many others. General Lincoln, 
speaking of the Quakers, said to one of the Friends : 'The more I have 
seen of you, the more I like you. You may have this satisfaction, that 
we are coming nearer to you. Our pastor died after forty years' service 
and we were at loss to know whom to appoint, but we finally elected one 
who could read the Scriptures in his mother tongue.' The Friend replied 
that that was little and that godly women were barred from speaking in 
his meeting, whereupon General Lincoln agreed that if he had heard the 
gospel well preached it was by Mrs. Wilson, a Friend." 

On account of the Quaker tendencies, Mr. Fisher points out that the 
legal profession was closed to the young men, since it was believed it 
often attempted to make right wrong and vice z'crsa. The clerical profes- 
sion was likewise closed because of the objection to a paid ministry. All 
ostentation was frowned upon. There was but one man in the village 
whose wealth was estimated at over $100,000, and that was William 
Rotch, the elder. Next in order of wealth were William Rotch, Jr., his 
son, and Samuel Rodman, his son-in-law. 

■'Samuel Rodman's estimate I saw, made out by himself," writes Mr. 
Fisher. "It was below $100,000, and as I kept my master's (William 
Rotch, Jr.'s) books at this period, I could not be ignorant of his fortune. 
After these came the various members of the Russell and Howland fami- 
lies, the Sheppards, the Hathaways and others, as a class, all independ- 
ents and well ofif. After his father's death, Abraham Russell was some- 
times sportively called Rex. If belonging to one of the oldest families, 
living in the largest house, driving the finest horses, and owning the most 



NEW BEDFORD i53 

real estate, entitled him to be king, then the name was properly bestowed. 
About the year 1807 his barn was burned and his fine horses and car- 
riages were lost. 

John Rowland, the elder, probably had the most ready money, yet 
he was apt to complain of his poverty, till going one day to a niche in his 
chimney he found a bag of dollars that he had almost forgotten. His 
surprise was so great that he could not help telling it. It was in vain 
that he pleaded poverty after this, because the conclusion was natural 
that a man who could lose a large bag of dollars without missing it could 
only be a very rich man. 

"Abraham Smith had the largest flock of children in the town. I 
think there were sixteen or eighteen of them living at one time. The 
handsomest children at the end of the last century were those of John 
Proud, for a long time town clerk, and Samuel Rodman." This was a 
gallant record, since Mr. Fisher married one of Mr. Rodman's daughters. 

At this period the village of New Bedford contained about two thou- 
sand inhabitants. "There was a good deal of drunkenness among the 
sailors and some cases of pauperism and crime. There were no more 
than a dozen carpets in the place. The floors were generally painted and 
there were painted oil cloths. The men wore breeches, universally and 
without boots, except in 'cases of heavy snow, the most uncomfortable 
dress that was ever invented. Pantaloons were the invention of the 
French revolution. To have worn them in New Bedford would have 
been wicked, as it would have seemed to favor the French philosophers 
who were believed to be atheists. 

"In the year 1801 my mistress, Elizabeth Rotch, imported a pair of 
silver teapots. I think they were the first in New Bedford." Mr. Fisher 
notes that in 1799, on the last night of the year, a company of young 
people met to celebrate the coming in of the new century and believed 
they had accomplished it. A few days later Mr. Fisher says they were 
informed that the century would not close for another year. Mr. Fisher 
then goes over the arguments made familiar at the beginning of the 
twentieth century. Mr. Fisher concluded : "This subject will probably 
rest quietly until the end of the present century, when it is likely the 
same reasoning will lead to the same uncertain conclusions." 

Which stamps Mr. Fisher a prophet. 

Dr. Waterhouse of Boston, a friend of the Rotches and Rodmans, 
sent vaccine matter here, and New Bedford was the second place in which 
inoculation for smallpox was attempted. There was some mistake in 
preparation and a cutaneous disease resulted, which Mr. Fisher avers 
was providentially cured by an Indian physic. There were some Indian 
wigwams here in 1800 — one near Clark's Cove, occupied by a woman 
named Sarah Obadiah. The famous Paul Cuffee then lived here, and 
when William Rotch and some friends visited him he invited his guests 



154 NEW BEDFORD 

to sit an another table, but the party insisted upon putting their legs 
under the same table with Cuffee. 

The people of this city are indebted to James B. Congdon's habit of 
faithfully recording the events of his day for the presentation of many 
a quaint and curious incident, bit of gossip or personal reminiscence. Mr. 
Congdon was born more than one hundred years ago, and has been dead 
more than twenty-five years. He was identified with the early history of 
this city and with the foundation of all of the local institutions, the free 
public library, the first in the United States supported by a municipal 
appropriation, the water works, the board of health, the old Lyceum. 
He was city treasurer for many years and he wrote the original draft of 
the city charter and the city ordinances. 

In all the years of his life he made records of events in which he 
thought coming generations would be interested, and it is the judgment 
of historians that he showed rare good judgment. He made a specialty 
of incidents which would otherwise have been overlooked, devoting him- 
self to special fields, such as an exhaustive history of the cholera epi- 
demic which raged here. 

Several of these little brochures have never been published. One is 
an interesting manuscript describing the bumps of old citizens with some 
enlightening comment thereon. Phrenology was introduced into the 
United States largely through the lectures and cranioscopic demonstra- 
tions by the Fowler brothers in 1834. The Fowlers came here on a lectur- 
ing tour, it seems, and Mr. Congdon made a careful study and record of 
their visit, which is most enjoyable reading. The Fowlers attracted the 
attention of many of the local celebrities, and Mr. Congdon's version is 
very interesting, quite as much for his own estimate of the characteris- 
tics of many men whose names are not only familiar in every household 
in New Bedford, but were knov^'n to national fame seventy years ago. 

Among those who figure, for instance, was Thomas Dawes Eliot, 
who conducted the great litigation between the two denominations of 
Friends, where the title to the Quaker meeting houses in Massachusetts 
and Rhode Island were at issue and in which the usages and faiths of the 
respective sects underwent legal investigation ; also the contests in which 
the chartered powers of the Massachusetts Medical Society were main- 
tained on issues raised by physicians in the homoeopathic school. Eliot 
was sent to Congress to represent this district until he was tired, and was 
an intimate associate of Lincoln, for whom he investigated many cases 
and who also accepted his judgment in matters involving the law. 

Another who engaged in the phrenological investigation and sub- 
mitted himself unwittingly to Mr. Congdon's analysis at the same time 
was Timothy G. Coffin. "Tim" Coffin is a familiar name even to this 
generation. He was a contemporary of Marcus Morton, and Daniel 
Webster once said of him : "Tim Coffin is the ablest lawyer in the 



NEW BEDFORD 155 

United States. He is the lawyer of all others I should prefer not to 
meet." Cofifin was famous at repartee, and the lawyers are well stocked 
with anecdotes in which he figures. 

The manuscript bears the date December 11, 1837. The Fowlers 
were here for two weeks, and Mr. Congdon followed them up assidu- 
ously. The lectures were given in the building formerly the meeting 
house of the North Congregational Society, and Mr. Congdon records 
crowded houses. 

On one of the first evenings the committee selected included Timo- 
thy G. Coffin, James B. Congdon and Abraham Barker, the latter the 
leading banker of the city at that time. This committee selected as sub- 
jects for tests Mr. Coffin, Captain George Randall, Mr. Congdon's 
brother-in-law ; Stephen Merrihew, president of the Marine Insurance 
Company; Joseph Congdon, bank cashier; Peleg Clark, carriage manu- 
facturer ; Charles V. Card and James B. Congdon. Mr. Congdon's manu- 
script is quoted for the following story : 

George Randall was examined first. The writer knows him well. 
No person living could have determined his character better than it was 
done by the lecturer, by whom he was entirely unknown. The peculiari- 
ties of his character were given to the life. I was astonished to hear from 
a man who had never seen my brother George before, such a correct 
account. I could not myself, intimately as I know him, have given so 
accurate a description. His love of order, the care which he takes to 
accumulate facts in relation to any subject which he wishes to investigate, 
his habit of needlessly multiplying words in conversation and descrip- 
tion and his firmness, often amounting to obstinacy, were given with 
truth and vividness that places the individual before you at once. * * * 
Captain Randall's wife says the description was given to the life. 

The next person examined was Timothy G. Coffin, I^q. He is a 
lawyer of this town and is well known as a man of a high order of talent. 
It is generally believed that his talents are superior to those of any mem- 
ber of the Bristol bar. With one or two unimportant exceptions his char- 
acter was as correctly and as vividly described as Captain Randall's. He 
was in the first place, represented as a man with a powerful mind. His 
passion was pronounced to be violent and it was said when he was 
excited it was impossible for him to control his feelings of vindictiveness 
and anger. His enemies he would pursue with all his powers and woe 
be to anyone who should provoke his wrath. His adversaries would quail 
beneath his keen, sarcastic rebuke, none could stand before him in a con- 
test. He was represented as being disposed always to be in the minority, 
always found taking up on the other side. The failure was in calling him 
a man who loved money and who never spent a cent unnecessarily. He 
is not thought to be miserly, and all know him to be lavish in his expendi- 
tures. The audience, to whom Mr. Coffin was well known, more than 
once manifested its astonishment at the accuracy by their shouts and 
stamping. 

During the examination of Abraham Barker an incident occurred 
which invited any person in the audience to inquire respecting any par- 



I 



156 NEW BEDFORD 

ticular trait of character. "Taking advantage of this," writes Mr. Cong- 
don, "John Bailey took the liberty of making inquiry respecting Mr. 
Barker's poetical developments. This keen satire was well understood 
by the audience. Bailey, sturdy Democrat that he is, had not forgotten 
the celebrated stump speech of Mr. Barker's at the Whig caucus a year 
ago last November, when inspired by the intense action of his bump of 
ideality which had been started into more than ordinary activity by the 
excitement attending the election, he closed a most powerful appeal to 
his fellow citizens by exclaiming: 

Down with Van Buren, Dick Johnson and crew 
And up with the hero of Tippecanoe. 

"In reply to Mr. Bailey the lecturer, with much gravity, went on to 
state that under favorable circumstances certain combinations of the 
powers of ideality and constructiveness possessed by Mr. Barker might 
result in the manufacture of verses if he tried as hard to make them as he 
did to make money." 

Peleg Clark was a famous character in his day. "As he came for- 
ward to take the chair the audience could not restrain themselves from 
manifesting their pleasure at the selection of Mr. Clark, calculating, as 
well they might, that they should have a rich treat at the development of 
his peculiarities. And they were not disappointed. The faithfulness of 
the delineation was perfectly astounding. Men heard with amazement 
from the lips of a person who had never seen or heard Mr. Clark before, 
a true and comprehensive description of his character, and all those nice 
shades and well-known peculiarities which have often been the subject 
of their comments and sometimes of their ridicule were placed before 
them, as it were, by the hand of a magician. Mr. Clark was described as 
the antipode of Mr. Coffin. He was small in everything. All his mental 
powers were represented as being on a small scale — nothing grand — 
nothing noble — nothing dignified — a man everybody liked well enough, 
but nobody looked up to. No person cared either for his frowns or his 
favor, and however strongly he might be inclined to create sentiment no 
one would pay any regard to anything he might say or do. Fond of talk- 
ing, fond of debate, and woe to the unhappy wight who should be so 
unfortunate as to have Mr. Clark's grappling irons thrown upon him." 
Mr. Congdon's comment was that, while it was the habit of men to sneer 
at Clark, there were some among them who had not done half as much 
as he to promote the welfare of society. 

"Cousin Isaac C. Taber, afterward mayor, now took his turn. It was 
said of him that he possessed some weak points, some strong, selfish pas- 
sions, self-esteem weak, want of confidence in himself, want of self- 
respect, thought well of but will not take a high stand, will debate but 



NEW BEDFORD 157 

never hunt a man. Real ladies' man. (The latter seemed to please Mr. 
Congdon, for he placed three exclamation points after this characteristic 
of Cousin Isaac). Better thought of by ladies than by men. Moral abil- 
ity and moral courage large." 

Captain Stephen Merrihew was represented as a man possessing 
powers of mind far exceeding the average of his fellow-men. "But his 
mental powers are sluggish. He is not easily roused. It is only when 
strongly excited that his mind manifests itself, but when it does act it 
acts powerfully. His powers of expression were said to be good, not a 
spark of credulity. He will not believe anything unless reason can dem- 
onstrate it to be true. All this is true. I think I know Captain Merri- 
hew well, and had I been called upon to give a description of the char- 
acter of his mind, I could not have been more accurate. He does possess 
uncommon mental povver. It is seldom put forth, because he never seeks 
the occasion for its exercise, but when it comes within the reach of his 
pursuits or his duties, few men can display more talent or exercise a more 
commanding influence. His education was limited. He was apprenticed 
in early life to a carpenter and worked several years at the business. He 
then went to sea and was soon master of a ship. For a man whose oppor- 
tunities have been so small, his powers of speech are extraordinary. I 
have seldom met with a man who could express himself with so much 
force and propriety. I suppose there is no impropriety in stating what is 
well known to all Captain Merrihew's friends, that he has been during 
most of his life a disbeliever in divine revelation. I am inclined to think 
that he has within a few years somewhat changed his views, but the lec- 
turer was fully warranted in his remarks in relation to his credulity." 

Mr. Congdon's whimsical write-up of his own examination will be 
greatly enjoyed by those who recall him. At the public examinations 
Mr. Fowler examined his head while blindfolded, as well as that of 
Joseph Congdon, but said it was so "strange of conformation he could 
make nothing of it." Subsequently Mr. Congdon had a private examina- 
tion. "He spent much time about my head," wrote Mr. Congdon, "and 
he again remarked that my cranium was the most difficult one he had 
found in the town of New Bedford. He knew not what to make of it. It 
must be true, I suppose, that I have a singular head, as far as shape is 
concerned. I am inclined to think that such is the fact, for I have just 
been talking with my friend, George W. Baker, a man who knows noth- 
ing of phrenology, and he tells me he has often observed a peculiarity in 
the shape of my head." 

There are comments upon the examination of Lieutenant Sturgis, 
Mr. Eliot, William Howland, who was described as a religious man, 
which caused the audience to laugh ; Alexander Gibbs and others. And 
Mr. Congdon writes his own views on phrenology at length. 

The interesting thing about the pamphlet, however, is not that it 



158 NEW BEDFORD 

preserves the verdict of a famous phrenologist concerning a group of 
very interesting local characters who lived seventy years ago, but we 
have the comment of a well-posted contemporary upon the characteris- 
tics. The history will make an interesting addition to the collection of 
Mr. Congdon's studies already in the free public library, which Librarian 
Tripp is now engaged in cataloguing. The citizens owe a debt to Mr. 
Congdon similar to that they owe Mr. Wall. Mr. Congdon was a writer 
who devoted himself to local events, just as Mr. Wall has preserved on 
canvas a most valuable collection of local scenery. 

The history of the family of Thomas Hathaway is very unique, and 
the mother of the present representatives, Mrs. William Hathaway, Jr., 
printed a brochure about 35 years ago, which was privately circulated. 
Thomas Hathaway, who emigrated to western New York in 1790, was 
a native of this city, a son of Jonathan and Abigail Hathaway. Thomas 
was born in 1732, and being the eldest son, received by will the largest 
part of his father's landed estate, after the custom of that period. Jona- 
than Hathaway made a very curious will, dated 1759, from which a few 
paragraphs are quoted : 

"I give my soul to God," he wrote, "my body to the dust, and order 
that my funeral expenses shall be paid out of my live stock. I bequeath 
to my beloved wife, Abigail, as long as she remains my widow, the use 
of one-half of the lower rooms of my dwelling house, the use of the little 
pa^tr^' closet and the use of one-half of what is called the big closet, the 
use of the two drawers in the big chest in the kitchen, the use of one-third 
of the pewter dishes, the wool from six sheep every year, half the apples 
of the orchard every 3'ear and two pairs of stout leather shoes every year. 

"I also will that my son, Thomas, shall live with and be clever to his 
mother, keep a horse and pillion and see that his mother goes to meet- 
ing." 

In 1764 Thomas Hathaway, a gentleman of wealth, commenced the 
business of ship-building near McPherson's Wharf, upon the Acushnet 
river, two miles north of the village then called Bedford, and carried it 
on with profit until the commencement of the Revolutionary War in 
1776. He built for his residence the three-story dwelling at the southwest 
corner of South Water and School streets, into which he moved in 1772. 
This house was subsequently bought by Gideon Howland, one of the 
ancestors of Hetty Green. It was a very elegant private residence at 
the time, and was a mark for the British soldiers in 1778, but not much 
injured. 

At the outbreak of the Revolution Mr. Hathaway espoused the Tory 
cause, being connected by marriage with the family of Colonel Bradford 
Gilbert, of Nova Scotia. In 1777, on account of his Tory principles, he 
was forced to leave the States. He went to Nova Scotia and remained 
nearly six years in the family of Colonel Gilbert, with the exception of 
thirteen months' service upon a British ship of war. 



NEW BEDFORD 159 

Before leaving home Mr. Hathaway placed his family for safety in 
his country residence a short distance north of New Bedford, where his 
wife lived in retirement, devoting herself to the instruction of her four 
children. 

Mrs. Hathaway's recollections of that raid are quite interesting. In 
1778, when the British under command of General Gray landed to burn 
New Bedford, Thomas was nearly eleven years of age. It was toward 
evening. Mrs. Hathaway, with her children, stood on the doorstep 
watching the burning of the town. The country people were passing the 
house, promising them protection if possible. 

About 8 o'clock in the evening three men on horseback rode up to 
alarm the inhabitants that the British were coming that way. On they 
came with very little military order, afifrighted children running before 
them. When they appeared in front of her house she sent her son 
Thomas, with other boys, to the neighboring woods for safety. There 
he climbed a tree and watched the troops at their depredations. 

A British officer — perhaps it was Major Andre, for he was with the 
expedition — entered the house and demanded that Mrs. Hathaway should 
tell him where her husband was. He would not believe her story that he 
was in Nova Scotia, and taking her by the shoulders he shook her. She 
never recovered from the fright and died in 1783, soon after the return 
of her husband to the family. 

It was soon after the close of the war that Jemima Wilkinson came 
to New Bedford on a proselyting tour. Her object was to get together a 
community of people of wealth to emigrate to an unsettled part of the 
country. She brought about twenty followers on horseback, and their 
entertainment was often a severe tax upon the families with whom she 
sojourned. One day her horse became restless and Thomas Hathaway, 
Jr., dashed forward to her rescue. From that time he was allowed to ride 
by her side, "the head of his horse not quite even with her's." 

Thomas Hathaway and his son travelled with Jemima, the former 
selling his property here to accompany her. They went to New York 
and founded the city of Albany. 

According to the pamphlet, Jemima Wilkinson was austere and 
tyrannical in her intercourse with her followers, and when she could 
gain sufficient influence, she did not scruple to set husband and wife at 
variance, or parents and children, while, with her avarice she kept them 
impoverished by the constant drafts for money and the produce of their 
farms to keep up her sumptuous home. For a trivial deviation from her 
rules she often imposed the most degrading punishments. Such as a 
gentleman to wear a black cap drawn over his hair and forehead on all 
public occasions for three months. One of the most dignified gentlemen 
of her community submitted to have a little bell tinkling from the skirt 



i6o 



NEW BEDFORD 



of his coat for six weeks. Mrs. Hathaway tells the story of seeing a 
young man reach his staff over the seat in meeting and tinkle the bell. 

Mr. Hathaway was the financial mainstay of Jemima, and she 
acquired possession of his property until it was retrieved by Mr. Hatha- 
way's son in a famous lawsuit. The litigation lasted eleven years and 
Aaron Burr was one of the counsel of the Hathaways. 




CHAPTER XXIII. 
The War of 1812-14. 

On June 18, 1812, under just provocation. Congress declared war 
against Great Britain, and on June 19 President Madison made public 
proclamation of the fact. Bedford village at that time was strongly 
allied with the Federalists, Fairhaven being equally pronounced in its 
loyalty to the party of which Jefferson and Madison were the great lead- 
ers. The Federal party was opposed to the war, and so was New Bed- 
ford ; Fairhaven supported the war, the result being some very lively 
town meetings, record and tradition agreeing that these gatherings were 
characterized by great vigor and much rancor. The two villages held 
many a fierce debate in the town hall situated near Parting Ways, the 
intersection of the Acushnet and Fairhaven roads ; and at times so excit- 
ing was the question under discussion that an adjournment to the open 
green was made. But in 181 2 the town of Bedford was divided and Fair- 
haven set off from her olden and long-time rival. 

New Bedford sentiment regarding the war is well shown in the fol- 
lowing resolution passed at the town meeting in May, 1812: 

We view with extreme regret and apprehension an impending war 
with Great Britain which in our opinion will be disturbing and ruinous 
to our country, destructive to our commerce, and cause a heavy increase 
of direct taxes. Ruinous, as it would lead to an alliance with France, to 
which no nation has hitherto acceded without loss of its liberty and inde- 
pendence. 

When the news of President Madison's public proclamation of a 
state of war reached New Bedford, "The Mercury" thus editorially ex- 
pressed itself: "The awful calamity is at length officially announced. A 
war which has been so long predicted by the wise, ridiculed by the weak, 
deprecated by the honest and courted by the wicked is officially 
announced. Never have we seen dismay so generally and forcibly de- 
picted on the features of our fellow citizens as at this portentous moment. 
The hand of enterprise is withered and the heart is sickened, the hard- 
earned treasures of industry are dissolved and the business of life seems 
to pause in awful suspense." 

Without doubt this in a fair and candid manner expressed the pre- 
ponderance of New England sentiment. It was claimed by the oppo- 
nents of the war that the existing grievances could and would be 
remedied by milder measures and that these wrongs did not justify 
armed resistance. The same claim is made by peace advocates to-day 
and as President Wilson exhausted every diplomatic resource before 
NB-n 



i62 NEW BEDFORD 

taking the only course open to any self-respecting nation, so it now seems 
as though Congress and President Madison took the only course they 
could take in justice to the American nation. 

New Bedford fears were well grounded, and at the very outset 
received crushing blows. During the three months following the declara- 
tion of war, June i8, 1812, eight vessels belonging to the port were cap- 
tured by the English, each with valuable cargo : 

Ship Sally, valued ivith cargo at $40,000 

Ship Treton, vahied with cargo at 16,000 

Ship Castor, vahied with cargo at 20,000 

Ship Arab, vahied with cargo at 21,000 

Ship Science, valued with cargo at 28,000 

Ship Honestus, valued with cargo at 20,000 

Ship Caroline, valued with cargo at 9,000 

Ship Catherine, valued with cargo at 6."),ooo 

Schooner Three Friends, valued with cargo at 4,000 

Total valuation $218,000 

The entire period of the war was one of terror and privation for all 
the coast towns of New England, but New Bedford, although often 
threatened, escaped attack. 

The British government well understood that privateering would 
again play an important part in the war. A London journal, "The States- 
man," said prior to war being declared : "America cannot certainly pre- 
tend to wage a maritime war with us. She has no navy to do it with. 
But America has nearly a hundred thousand as good seamen as any in 
the world, all of whom would be actively employed against our trade on 
every part of the ocean in their fast sailing ships of war, many of which 
will be able to cope with our small cruisers and they will be found to be 
sweeping the West Indian seas and even carrying desolation into the 
chops of the channel." 

A most formidable fleet did plow the seas, and captured more than 
fifteen hundred vessels during the war. There were two hundred and 
fifty-one regularly commissioned privateers, fifty-eight sailing from Bal- 
timore, fifty-five from New York, forty from Salem, thirty-one from 
Boston, eleven from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and one from Fair- 
haven, the "Governor Gerry," Captain Joshua Hitch, and owned by 
Hitch & Bradley. She was a schooner of sharp model, a fast sailer and 
well equipped. Her career, however, was of short duration. After land- 
ing a valuable cargo of silks and other goods in some French port, she 
put to sea July 29, 1813, and ran directly into a fleet of British men-of- 
war. Trusting to her speed, she attempted escape, but soon her spars 
were shot away and surrender was inevitable. 

The favorable situation of the harbor made New Bedford again a 
rendezvous for privateers, and it was made a convenient port for recruit- 
ing, refitting, and running in captured prizes. Public auction sales of 



NEW BEDFORD 163 

prize vessels and their cargoes were of frequent occurrence at the 
wharves on both sides of the river. Arrivals and departures of privateers 
were occasional in 1813, and frequent in 1814. The free-handed use of the 
harbor for privateering purposes brought trouble in its train. In Septem- 
ber, 1813, a vessel arrived in the harbor, was thoroughly refitted, and a 
crew shipped, ostensibly, for New Orleans. She cleared September 26, 
and lay at anchor in the lower harbor, when it was ascertained that she 
was the French privateer "Cleopatra," alias "Bellona," with evil intent 
toward American as well as English vessels. The famous privateer 
"Yankee" also used the harbor, her coming, July 21, 1814, being the imme- 
diate cause of a town meeting called the same day. The action taken by 
the meeting developed a most serious opposition to the war and to the 
use of the harbor by vessels from other ports, the claim being made that 
the public health was endangered. It was voted that strict quarantine 
law be established, and the "Yankee" was particularly named as being 
objectionable. At the same meeting a committee of safety was named 
"to advise and direct in measures that may best secure the peace and 
safety of the town in case of an invasion by the enemy." This commit- 
tee as named was: Roger Haskell, William Hathaway, Roland R. 
Crocker, Lemuel Williams, Jr., Lewis Ludlam, Samuel Perry, Francis 
Rotch. James Washburn, John A. Parker, Cornelius Grinnell. 

During 1S14 the British naval force in United States waters was 
greatly augmented, and the New England coast swarmed with English 
frigates, gun-brigs and privateers. The seaboard towns and villages 
were helpless, the troops all having been withdrawn for the invasion of 
Canada. But later in the year one thousand soldiers were stationed along 
the harbor shores, which fact shows the apprehension felt by the govern- 
ment over the presence of so large an enemy fleet oiT our coast. How 
New Bedford was affected is shown in the many captures of her ships 
and the paralysis of her trade. While her losses from the naval and 
privateering vessels was large, it remained for the British brig "Nimrod" 
to be the reigning terror of New Bedford and the whole southeastern 
coast. She mounted sixteen 34-pounders, two long nines, and one 18- 
pounder — a most formidable craft. She made her appearance in 1813, 
and with the 74-gun frigate "Superb" and the gun-brig "Recruit," made 
things exceedingly lively all along the coast. On January 28, 1814, the 
"Nimrod" bombarded Falmouth, injuring about thirty houses, though 
fortunately not a life was lost. New Bedford was in a constant state of 
alarm, and felt the gloom of an impending tragedy at all times. Troops 
under Lieutenant-Colonel Benjamin Lincoln were stationed in the town 
in 1814, and two gunboats in the harbor were her only defence. On the 
stafif of Colonel Lincoln, those who were residents of the town, were 
Major Edward Pope, major of artillery; John Coggeshall, surgeon ; Sam- 
uel Perry, quartermaster ; William Kempton and Elijah Wilbour. Fort 



i64 NEW BEDFORD 

Phoenix, in Fairhaven, was strengthened and garrisoned, and a com- 
pany under Captain Reuben Swift w^as stationed at Clark's Cove and 
along the shores of Clark's Point. 

The position of the Society of Friends, "resistance to taxes for war 
purposes," was continued during the war of 1812-14, as during the Revo- 
lution. New Bedford men of means were largely of the same opinion ; 
and the collection of taxes was very difficult, New Bedford like all New 
England paying reluctantly what was contributed toward the expenses 
of the war. The sad experiences of the village during the British inva- 
sion of September 5, 1778, were still fresh in the minds of the people, and 
there were many living who had suffered from the results of that day. 
The younger generation had been imbued with memories of those tragic 
events which made the invasion memorable, and many were the mani- 
festations of fear displayed over the prospect of another raid. 

In the middle of April, 1814, the British war vessels, "Victorious," 
"Endymion" and "Peacock," made their appearance in Vineyard Sound, 
and quickly the report spread that they were to operate against New 
Bedford. The report had no foundation, for the vessels left the sound 
April 20, but the inhabitants, thoroughly alarmed, packed their house- 
hold goods and conve3'ed them to places of safety. The garrison at Fort 
Phoenix was alive with activity ; the militia prepared for the defence of 
the town ; and all ships and river craft were moved up the river. Fort 
Phoenix, insignificant as it would now appear, with its battery of small 
guns, was really a strong tower of defense to the harbor, and was an 
effective menace to the armed vessels of the enemy who would otherwise 
have entered the upper harbor. 

The guns at Fort Phoenix on the morning of June 13, 1814, gave 
notice of the approach of seven or eight barges from the British brig 
"Nimrod." The weather being hazy, the barges were not discovered 
until close to the fort, but the preparations for their reception were so evi- 
dent that they withdrew to effect a landing elsewhere. Everything in 
the village was in the greatest confusion at the approach of the barges 
filled with armed soldiers, and all roads leading out into the country 
were alive with wagons loaded with the aged and the sick, the women 
and children, and with household goods. All day long preparations for 
defence went on, but Wareham was the doomed village, not New Bed- 
ford. There twelve vessels were set on fire, five of which were totally 
consumed. The cotton factory was also fired, but the flames were extin- 
guished after the departure of the invaders. In all, about $25,000 was the 
amoimt of property damage, and no lives were lost. 

All through the summer the "Nimrod" was a source of great discom- 
fort, and particularly did she annoy the fisherman along the coast, who 
were frequently captured, and their catch of fresh fish removed to the 
brig. Traces of her work still exist in many of the old residences along 



NEW BEDFORD 165 

the coast that were within reach of her guns. But the principal damage 
was from the constant rumors of attack which steadily oppressed the 
people and kept them ever fearful. A significant item is found in the 
record book of Oxford Village Fire Engine Company, dated September, 
1814: "At a special meeting of the proprietors of Oxford Engine held 
at Nicholas Taber's house, it was voted that the engine be removed to 
Captain John Rowland's for 'safety,' and it was done without delay." 

On September 27 and 28, 1814, five hundred soldiers marched into 
the village from towns in the northern part of Bristol county on their 
way to assigned stations along the seacoast. The village was under 
strict military rule for several months, and on August 12, 1814, Charles 
Gilbert was shot dead by a sentry on duty near the gun house, near the 
southeast corner of South Sixth and Spring streets. Gilbert did not 
respond when the sentry asked for the countersign, although he was 
loyal and in possession of it. His intention no doubt being to test the 
fidelity of the sentry. 

On Saturday, September 25, 1813, the following item appeared in 
"Marine Diary New Bedford Mercury" : "Arrived — Cartel Russian 
ship "Hoflfming Harms," 47 days from Plymouth, England, with 402 
prisoners." These were American sailors who had been impressed into 
the British service during the Napoleonic wars, they being a part of the 
more than fourteen thousand so compelled to serve in the English navy 
against France. When war was declared against their own country, 
many thousands refused to longer serve, and were incarcerated in prison 
and on prison ships, many of them being held until the war ended. These 
four hundred and two men had been confined in Dartmoor prison, "a 
dreadful house of bondage," seventeen miles from Plymouth, on the east 
side of one of the highest and most barren mountains in England. 

There never were records available as to Dartmoor prisoners, nor of 
the Americans held in other English prisons, but scores of sailors belong- 
ing to New Bedford and neighboring towns were taken from merchant 
ships and either forced into the British service or confined in English 
prisons for refusing to fight against their own flag. There were confined 
in Dartmoor the following men from New Bedford : Daniel McKenzie, 
Edmond Allen, Clement P. Covell, John Underwood, Captain Sawdey, 
Jacob Taber, James Rider, Humphrey Maxfield, Elijah Tovey, William 
Dunham, David Shepherd, James Tilton, Richard Lipscumb, Martin Sut- 
ten, Enos Chandler. Also there died at Dartmoor the following: Amasa 
Delano, November 18, 1813; John Montgomery, February 25, 1814; Mat- 
thew Stetson, February 22, 1815; Martin Sutten, February 22, 1815. 
There were two recorded escapes of New Bedford men from Dartmoor: 
Captain Swain, in October, 1814; Mr. Russell, in December, 1814. New 
Bedford men who were confined in prison ship at Chatham, England, 
are, so far as known : John Brown, Asa Bumpus, John Fitz, John Barks, 



i66 NEW BEDFORD 

William Denning, John Jackson. John James, of New Bedford, was 
confined in prison at Cork, Ireland, and Isaac Bly and Peter Amy were 
confined on prison ships. 

There were many New Bedford men in the army and navy, but no 
company was recruited entirely from the village. A number of citizens 
exempt from military duty organized themselves into an independent 
company under the command of Captain Robert Taber and Lieutenant 
Haskell. This company was afterward commanded by Captain John 
Avery Parker, the first president of the Merchants' National Bank of 
New Bedford. 

But the end was near, and on the 24th of December, 1814, a treaty 
of peace was signed at Ghent between the United States and Great 
Britain, a bond that has stood for over a century, although sometimes 
sorely strained ; and now the two nations are united in a holy cause, and 
the flags of the United States, Great Britain and France fly in conjunc- 
tion from the public buildings of America, and at a military service held 
in Westminister Abbey, London, the' Stars and Stripes were accorded 
an honor unprecedented. These ancient foes, now united for the preser- 
vation of human rights, can well afiford to forget that once they were 
enemies, and with their blood seal a compact that all foes of liberty and 
human rights will recognize and respect as a guarantee that the day of 
absolutism in government has passed. 

If New Bedford, like all New England, had been lukewarm in sup- 
porting the war, she was most energetic and vociferous in welcoming 
peace. It was 11 o'clock on Monday night, February 21, 1815, when 
Alexander Townsend, of Boston, rode into Bedford Village with the glad 
tidings of peace. In a few moments church bells were clanging, the news 
spread quickly and the whole town was alive with demonstrations of joy. 

Says the "Mercury" of that date: "So sudden and total was the 
revolution of feeling that age forgets its gravity and poverty its sorrows. 
A despondency awoke to joy and resignation kindled into rapture. So 
powerfully were the animal spirits agitated that a stranger to our sober 
lives and steady habits and unacquainted with the cause of mirth would 
have supposed that we were celebrating a feast of Bacchus and could not 
easily have been persuaded to believe that all this apparent intoxication 
was merely a spontaneous revel of delightful feelings." 

The celebration of peace and the birthday of Washington, February 
22, 181 5, was a notable day in the history of the village. The flags of the 
United States, England, France, Portugal, Denmark and Sweden flew 
from buildings and ships, the bells continued their clamor of praise and 
thanksgiving, salutes were fired and in spite of its being a stormy day the 
people gave themselves to the full enjoyment of the occasion. The cele- 
bration culminated in the evening with a grand display of fireworks, 
rockets, transparencies and the illumination of the town, the houses of 



NEW BEDFORD 167 

Bedford Village and Fairhaven being brilliant with lighted candles in the 
windows. 

Mid the roar of cannon and peal of bells and the discharge of fire- 
works the celebration came to an end and the people retired to their 
homes conscious that an era of prosperity was at hand. Though the 
wheels of industry had long since ceased to move, the fleet which had 
brought prosperity was gone, shops and shipyards were closed and the 
port closed against every enterprise, provisions were high and but little 
money in circulation, hope ran high and that this spirit of optimism was 
justified results quickly proved. The paralyzed industries quickly recov- 
ered, shops, rope walks, riggers lofts and ship-yards quickly sprang into 
being and fairly hummed with activity, the wharves were alive with the 
fitting out of ships and the "Mercury" that had for many months been 
bare of maritime news was soon recording the arrival and departure of a 
goodly fleet of vessels and prosperity followed in the path of peace. 




CHAPTER XXIV. 
After the War of 1812 to 1830. 

The New Bedfoid of a century ago would scarcely be admitted as 
bearing any relationship to the city of to-day, with its 120,000 inhabit- 
ants, living in comfortable and elegant homes. Where now are mam- 
moth mills and factories, fine stores and solid business houses of every 
nature, evidencing a prosperous manufacturing city, then were fields, 
meadows and forests. Even the river front has so changed as to be 
unrecognizable, and the harbor has greatly altered. The most thickly 
settled portion of the town was south of Union, yet Madison street was 
the actual limit, there being few houses beyond. Fourth and Fifth 
streets ended at School street, and the area south of Union, between 
Seventh and Third streets, consisted of open fields. The gun house 
stood on the square southeast of the Friends' meeting house, and all the 
section west of County street was a forest, the only buildings being Gil- 
bert Russell's residence at the head of Union, the Friends' Academy 
(where now stands the County Street Methodist Episcopal Church), and 
the Kempton house at the head of North street. The whole town in 
181 5 contained five hundred and six houses. Walnut street was the 
southern border of the village ; beyond it dense woods, only broken by 
the County road, which led to Clark's Cove. 

The "Great Gale'" of September 29, 1815, has ever since been re- 
corded as the most severe that ever swept the harbor, and the most dis- 
astrous. The tide rose ten feet above normal high water, and four feet 
higher than ever before recorded. So rapid was the rise that occupants 
of the stores and warehouses situated along the river front were obliged 
to leave them, hurriedly abandoning goods and merchandise, several 
merchants losing also their books and papers. Several lives were lost 
and much property was destroyed. In New Bedford the salt works be- 
longing to Caleb Russell were carried away, and the rope walks of Griffin 
Barney, William Rotch, Jr., and Buller & Allen were partially destroyed. 
Card's turning mill. Coffin's boat-building shop, Wilcox's blacksmith 
shop. Cannon's tallow chandlery, a row of stores on Rotch's Wharf, and 
several other business houses, were wholly or partially destroyed ; sev- 
eral dwelling houses were blown down ; wharves were either ruined or 
badly injured ; the Bedford-Fairhaven bridge was carried away ; sixteen 
vessels moored at the wharves were blown adrift and cast away at differ- 
ent points in the harbor. This list of losses proves how wonderfully New 
Bedford had recovered from the frightful stagnation of a few months 
before. 

War and the elements, which had seemed to conspire against New 



NEW BEDFORD 



169 



Bedford, gave her an uninterrupted period of peace for five years, in 
which she exhibited her wonderful recuperative powers and the uncon- 
querable spirit of her merchants. There was no bank in operation in the 
village from 1812, when the charter of the Bedford Bank expired, until 
1816, when the Bedford Commercial Bank was organized. May 31, with 
George Howland, president. This was the first strong evidence of the 
revival of confidence, and right merrily the work of reconstruction and 
rebuilding went forward. 

In 1818 there were registered at the custom house the following 
vessels : 



SHIPS. 
Pindus. 
Independence. 
Iris. 
Balsena. 

Wilmington & Liverpool Packet. 
Herald. 
Bourbon. 
Triton. 
Golconda. 
Victory. 
Augustus. 
Midas. 

Ann Alexander. 
Charles. 
Persia. 



SCHOONERS. 



Bodfish. 

Favourite. 

John Willis. 

Fenelon. 

Elizabeth. 

Enterprise. 

Sally. 

Liberty. 

Sophronia. 

Dolphin. 



BRIGS. 
Indian Chief. 
Protection. 
Planter. 
Elizabeth. 
Agenora. 
Trident. 
Benezet. 
Gleaner. 
Juno. 

Commodore Decatur. 
Minerva. 

SLOOPS. 
Milo. 
Polly. 
Carolina. 
Good Hope. 
Washington. 
Mercy. 
Globe. 
Harmony. 
Atlantic. 
Reaper. 
Collector. 
Catharine. 
Amazon. 
Fame. 



In 1819 the following additional were registered: 



SHIPS. 
Pacific. 
Swift. 
Phoenix. 
Helen. 
Columbus. 
Stanton. 
Minerva. 
Timoleon. 



SCHOONERS. 
President. 
Emigrant. 
Polly & Eliza. 
Ebenezer. 
Industry. 
Eliza Barker. 
William. 
Superior. 



170 



NEW BEDFORD 



Phebe Ann. 

Winslow. 

Parnasso. 

Francis. 

Minerva Smyth. 

Milwood. 

Cortez. 

Lorenzo. 

Martha. 

Carolina. 

Leonidas. 

Sophia. 

Portia. 

William Rotch. 

SLOOPS. 
Reformation. 
Fame. 
Ohio. 
Flora. 
William. 
Spartan. 
Brothers. 
Rosetta. 
Debby. 



Albert. 

Hiram. 

One. 

Laura. 

Emerald. 

Rose in Bloom. 

Jane. 

Green. 

Sally. 

BRIGS. 
Dragon. 
Cornelia. 
Resolution. 
Horatio. 
Leader. 

William Thacher. 
Alliance. 
Orion. 

General Marion. 
Clitus. 
Traveller. 
Ospray. 



A vigorous temperance movement was inaugurated in the town in 
1819, and public action taken May 26 to suppress "the sale of cider and 
other intoxicating liquors to minors, so that their morals may not be 
corrupted and their future prospects blasted by habits they have acquired 
in their youth." 

The next disaster to overtake New Bedford is thus chronicled in the 
"Mercury" of September 8, 1820: 

On Wednesday morning about half past four the inhabitants of this 
town were alarmed by the cry of fire which originated in the extensive 
bake house of Mr. Enoch Horton, situated on the street leading from 
the Commercial Bank to William Rotch's (formerly Enoch Russell's) 
wharf. In a few minutes the whole building was involved in flames 
which spread to an adjoining wood house containing a large quantity of 
dry pine wood, and in spite of the exertions of the citizens, aided by 
seven engines, which were constantly playing on the desolating element, 
it spread in almost every direction, consuming in its progress the build- 
ings on the east, west and north of it until by great exertions it was 
finally subdued just as it was communicating to the store of Peter Bar- 
ney on the southeast and the dwelling owned by Gilbert Russell on the 
west. Had either of these buildings been permanently on fire no human 
exertions could have arrested its progress until a large part of the town 
had been laid in ashes ; and had there not fortunately been a calm at the 
time we should in all probability have had to record a calamity scarcely 
inferior to those of Wilmington and Savannah. 



NEW BEDFORD 171 

A stage route from Newport to Providence via Stone Bridge was 
established November 9, 1820. In that year the following merchants 
were engaged in business in New Bedford, although the list is not com- 
plete: 

Isaac Rowland, Jr., & Co., plows, iron hoops, etc. 
William James, ship stoves. 
H. Taylor, shoes and dry goods. 
Oliver Swain, boots and shoes. 
George Sisson, crockery and glassware. 
Jonathan Ellis, plows. 
Caleb Green, drugs. 

T. T. Churchill, W. & G. Allen, J. R. Shiverick, Perry & Tobey, 
Joseph Bourne, Henry Tucker & Son, dry goods. 
Nye & Grinnell, grocers. 
Hussey & Allen, flour, leather, etc. 
Seth Russell & Son., iron. 
Samuel Rodman, Jr., cordage, etc. 
John A. Parker, iron. 

Thomas S. & N. Hathaway, hemp, duck, iron. 
Gorham & Parker, grocers. 
A. Sherman, books and stationery. 
Harvey Sullings, hardware. 
Samuel W. Heath, crockery. 
Isaac Manchester, leather and shoes. 
Job Baker, grocer. 
Green & Tillinghast, dry goods. 
Randall & Haskell, grocers and ship chandlers. 
Barney Cory, proprietor of the ''Sign of the Swan." 
Benjamin Pitman, silversmith and manufacturer. 

Daniel Whitaker's Classical School was opened April 22, 1821. 

Friday, January 19, 1821, stands out as the "Cold Day," the ther- 
mometer registering twelve below zero at sunrise. 

December 14, 1822, the market and town house was opened to the 
public in the same building on South Second street ; later it was used as 
the Central Police Station. 

The week of Sunday, March 30, 1823, was marked by an extraordi- 
nary gale and snow storm, there being no communication with the out- 
side world during the week. On December 2^, 1823, it rained for twenty 
hours, the record stating that "the oldest people do not recollect such 
a rain." 

The Mozart Society for the practice of sacred music was organized 
in 1824, and gave its first public performance in Rev. William Dewey's 
meeting house on December 2, 1824. This society, the first of its kind 
in the town, was given the free use of the town hall for rehearsals. 

On June 6, 1825, Benjamin Lindsay opened a reading and news room 
that for sixty 3'ears continued to be the headquarters for the business 
men of the town. 



172 NEW BEDFORD 

The ordination of Elder Harvey Sailings as a preacher of the gospel 
among the people "usually denominated Christians" took place in the 
North Baptist Church, June 26, 1825. 

Among the deaths that occurred in the town during the first quarter 
of the century are some remarkable examples of longevity : 

Colonel Seth Pope, a prominent figure in the Revolution, June 9, 
1802, aged 83. 

Hon. Walter Spooner, April 3, 1803, aged 81. 

Joseph Russell, October 16, 1804, aged 86. 

Dr. Samuel Perry, April 15, 1805, aged 75. 

Rev. Samuel West, D. D., September 24, 1807, aged 78. 

Major Ebenezer Willis. November 7, 1809, aged 83. 

William Sawyer, November 13, 1816, aged 48. 

Elisha Thornton, December 31, 1816, aged 70. 

Captain Nathaniel Pope, July 17, 1817, aged 70. 

Dr. Samuel Perry, October 26, 1820, aged 56. 

Deacon Jabez Hammond, December 31, 1820, aged 51. 

Hannah Andrews, September 11, 1822, aged loi years, 6 months. 

Captain Benjamin Hill, January 20, 1823, aged 68. 

Captain Silas Parker, February 20, 1823, aged 80. 

Captain George Whipper, April 4, 1823, aged 78. 

Mrs. Susannah Maxfield, May 5, 1823, aged 70. 

Jeremiah Mayhew, September 21, 1823. aged 79. 

Daniel Ricketson, August 11, 1824, aged 79. 

Zachariah Hillman, August 11, 1824, aged 66. 

James Davis, February 25, 1825, aged 81. 

Thomas Taber, January 30, 1825, aged 79. 

John Pickens, August 31, 1825, aged 83. 

Abraham Ricketson, August 12, 1825, aged 78. 

Captain Thomas Cook, September 5, 1825, aged 85. 

Abraham Smith, March 18, 1826, aged "\ postmaster of New Bed- 
ford twenty years. 

The Ark Riots — During these years of prosperity. New Bedford had 
acquired considerable notoriety through an element scornful of law and 
decency, congregated in a neighborhood on Kempton street, called "Hard 
Dig," and on the river front in a built-over old whaling hulk, "The 
Camillus," known as "The Ark." In August, 1826, the dead body of a 
man was found in the woods near "Hard Dig" by some boys, who 
hastened to the town with the story of their discovery. Several citizens 
returned to the spot with the boys, but the body had been removed. A 
ship carpenter had recently disappeared (from whom no tidings were 
ever received), and this fact gave color to the belief that a murder had 
been committed. As "Hard Dig" was the home of a vicious and danger- 
ous class who were a menace to the public peace, it was deemed wise by 
an element who distrusted the slow processes of the law to take matters 
into their own hands. A large party met at the corner of Kempton 



NEW BEDFORD 173 

street, organized, and in two hours' time "Hard Dig" was a thing of the 
past, the small frame houses having been pulled down and burned. 

Emboldened by their easy success in abating the "Hard Dig" 
nuisance, the crowd decided it was a good time to act in a similar man- 
ner toward another nuisance and evil resort, "The Ark," located on the 
river front, the exact location being later the site of the Charles S. 
Paisler brick building on Water street. "The Ark" stood upon the shore 
as far up as a high tide would permit the old hulk to be floated, and was 
kept in an upright position by keel blocks. The stern board of an old dis- 
mantled whaler, "The Ark," was secured and nailed in position on the 
upper deck, which gave to the hulk (formerly the whaler "Camillus") 
its name. At first the home of a respectable family who built a house 
covering the whole deck, "The Ark" later came to a base use, and was a 
moral offence to the community. After the destruction of "Hard Dig" 
and the agreement to meet the next night and perform a similar service 
for "The Ark," the crowd dispersed to meet again the next night. Dur- 
ing the day which intervened, the inmates of "The Ark" learned of the 
proposed raid, and with their sympathizers gathered a plentiful supply 
of stones, bottles and other missiles with which to defend their home. 
This ammunition was piled upon the four-foot portico which surrounded 
"The Ark," and when the attack was made by the crowd a very lively 
fight ensued. But the crowd won, "The Ark" was smashed to pieces 
with axe and crowbar, and set on fire. The fire engines were called out, 
but their only work was to protect surrounding buildings. Some fifty 
citizens of New Bedford were subpoenaed before the court at Taunton, 
but the matter was soon dropped, no evidence being obtained to impli- 
cate any particular man. 

From the destruction of "Hard Dig" and "The Ark" in August, 
1826, until the same month in 1829 there was a constant conflict between 
the criminal element of New Bedford and the forces of law and order. 
A second "Ark" appeared, this built over the hull of the ship "Indian 
Chief," located a little further west than the first. It was occupied by 
the worst classes, and neither property nor life were considered safe. 
Every attempt to banish the scourge had failed, the law being openly 
defied. 

In the spring of 1829 the Elm Street Methodist Episcopal Church 
was set on fire on a Saturday night. The basement of the building was 
filled with casks of oil, which had they taken fire would have spread a 
conflagration most destructive. But about eleven o'clock the fire was 
discovered and extinguished before a great deal of damage was done, the 
audience room being used for service the next day. It was believed that 
some of the frequenters of "The Ark" had set the church on fire, and as 
no crime seemed impossible to the criminals who infested that resort, it 
passed for a fact that they were guilty of this last fiendish crime. The 



174 NEW BEDFORD 

proprietor of this second "Ark" was a thug named Titus Peck, who had 
gained such a criminal following that it was said the selectmen of the 
town were afraid to interfere with him. Word was quietly passed around 
that a meeting of citizens was to be held in the town hall, and on Satur- 
day evening, August 29, 1829, about two hundred men packed the hall. 
While there seemed to be no organization, it was evident that a plan of 
action had been agreed upon, and that most of the men there well under- 
stood what was to be done, and only awaited an agreed upon signal. 

Influential citizens, among whom were Gideon Rowland, Zachariah 
Hillman. Francis Taber, Samuel Rodman, Thomas Mandell, J. A. 
Parker, Jethro Hillman, and Barney Taber, used their utmost influence 
to prevent an outbreak, and the riot act was read by Timothy G. Coffin. 
All was quiet until the nine o'clock bell on Dr. Dewey's Church rang out, 
then pandemonium broke forth. With a shout, "Jerry is in town" (the 
agreed upon signal), the crowd rushed to the vicinity of Ark Lane. 
There the hook and ladder truck was found brought by unknown hands, 
and a band of twenty-five men, distingui.shed by their uniform coats 
turned inside out, trousers covered with white canvas at the knees, and 
slouch hats. The work of destruction began at once, and by midnight 
most of the crowd had gone home. At midnight the torch was applied 
to the infamous craft, and this second "Ark" to disgrace New Bedford 
was burned to the water edge. Several small houses near by also caught 
fire, and although the fire department was called out, but little was 
accomplished, and severe loss was sustained by the quiet, peaceful 
owners of these houses, who could ill afford it. This was unfortunate 
and not intended, for the action of the mob was against "The Ark" only, 
and a notice to the town authorities that they must use their power to 
keep the town free from open violation or mob rule would supplant law- 
ful authority. 

On July 30, 1830, a town meeting was held to "see if the town will 
take into consideration the expediency of adopting measures to prevent 
the further destruction of property by riotous assemblages, and also to 
see if the town will think it proper to take any further measures to secure 
the safety of the town in consequence of the recent burnings of dwelling 
houses in the vicinity." The meeting appointed a committee to take into 
consideration the proposed subject, said committee consisting of Samuel 
Rodman, Joseph Ricketson, D. Davenport, John Rowland, Jr., Nathan 
Hathaway, James B. Congdon, Timothy I. Dyer, Benjamin Rodman and 
Seth Russell. The report of the committee deprecated the acts of vio- 
lence and lawlessness, and, to guard against their repetition, advocated 
the appointment of a large committee to be appointed from the residents 
of the different sections of New Bedford to be known as the "Committee 
of Vigilance," which was done, said committee when appointed consist- 
ing of one hundred and ten men. This vigilance committee, organized 



NEW BEDFORD 



175 



for the specific purpose of protecting the town from mob violence, was 
the parent organization of that most efficient Protecting Society, the 
oldest department of the New Bedford fire department. 

During this period the real life of New Bedford had flowed uninter- 
ruptedly on, and all that makes a community desirable had engaged the 
earnest attention of the best class of citizens. The New Bedford "Mer- 
cury" had been enlarged to a six-column sheet; the New Bedford 
"Courier" appeared January 16, 1826; the Lyceum Society was organized 
December 8, 1828; the Mansion House, formerly the residence of Wil- 
liam Rotch, was opened as a hotel by J. Webster, December 19, 1828; 
the force of "four good and sufficient persons to keep a night watch," 
authorized by the town meeting of December 20, 1824, was increased in 
1829; a town clock was purchased in May, 1825; schools, churches and 
societies flourished, although by act of Legislature the high school was 
discontinued in 1829. 

At the annual town meeting of 1830 the boundaries of streets and 
roads were fixed and monuments placed in proper positions. 

In 1788 only one ship and two or three brigs left the port; in 1830 
the number of square-rigged vessels belonging to New Bedford was one 
hundred and twenty, the greater number of them engaged in whale 
fishing. The quantity of oil brought in by the ships in 1830 was 41,144 
barrels of sperm. 43,145 barrels of whale oil, and ten spermaceti candle 
factories were in operation in New Bedford. 

In 1795 the population of New Bedford was about 1,000; in 1830 it 
was 7,695. Among the business men of New Bedford in 1830 were the 
following : 

William C. Maxfield, tailor. 
John Bailey, Brittannia ware. 
Mr. Negus, lessons in penmanship. 
Brightman & Barstow, spars and ship timber. 
Wing Russell, fresh honey and medicines. 

E. W. Greene & Co., dye stulifs, vitrol, etc. 
Oliver Swain, boots and shoes. 
Macomber & Sullings, dry goods. 

S. & C. S. Tobey, dry goods. 

Philip Anthony, dry goods. 

William Swain, portrait painter. 

Jacob Parker, chains, anchors, gun powder. 

William Eddy, general store. 

Francis Taber, Jr., & Co., hardware and stoves. 

Ivory H. Bartlett, southern corn salt. 

Coggeshall, Richmond & Vose, dry goods. 

F. S. Alden, flannels, woolens, yarns, etc. 
Oliver Crocker, general merchandise. 
John P. West, lime and bricks. 

Frederick Bryant, hardware and looking glasses. 



1/6 



NEW BEDFORD 



Elisha Thornton, fresh figs from Turkey. 

Watson Ellis, cabinetmaker. 

Paul Ewer, boots and shoes. 

Isaac Howland, Jr., & Co., patent cordage, hawsers and rigging. 

Benjamin Hill, groceries and West India goods. 

Dyre & Richmond, coppersmiths. 

Edward Stetson, quadrants and compasses. 

A. Gerrish, Jr., agent for the Delaware & Hudson Coal Company. 



CHAPTER XXV. 
1830 — 1840. 

This period, although one of general prosperity as a whole, was 
marked by several disasters, beginning with what may be termed the 
"second great fire," which broke out on Sunday morning, July 25, 1830, 
in the dwelling house of William H. Allen, now the southeast corner of 
School and Seventh streets. The loss of property was considerable, 
about one-half of the loss falling upon Dudley Davenport, whose large 
carpenter shop was destroyed, although quite a distance from where the 
fire originated. The efficiency of the newly organized Protecting Society 
was strikingly shown in the preservation of property during the progress 
of the fire. 

Vigorous action was taken by the town in 1830 to restrict the sale 
of liquor. At a town meeting held in April, resolutions were passed 
advising the selectmen to limit the number of retail dealers to five. The 
school appropriation for 1830 was $4,225, distributed through the six dis- 
tricts into which the town was divided, with a special sum of $300 for a 
school for colored children. On June i, 1830, a stage route was estab- 
li.shed between New Bedford and Padanaram Village. The famed 
Siamese twins were exhibited at the Mansion House, October 24, 1831, 
and owing to the detention of the Nantucket boat remained there for 
one week. 

The Mechanics' Insurance Company was chartered June 9, 183 1, 
with a capital of $100,000, for marine risks only. A subscription was 
opened October 28, 1831, to procure funds to erect an observatory on 
Prospect Hill. The observatory was built on the tower of the Mariners' 
Church, and was seventy feet from the ground. 

In 1831 the streets were first lighted with "panthorns," $1,250 being 
appropriated for their purchase and maintenance. 

Special attention was given to the streets and highways in 1832, the 
first flagged sidewalks being laid that year, and several reservoirs were 
built. Penny post delivery for letters was inaugurated in New Bedford 
on February 2, 1832, Richard Williams then being postmaster. At a 
special town meeting held June 23, 1832, a vigilance committee was 
appointed and given extraordinary powers to prevent the introduction 
of Asiatic cholera that was devastating the cities of the south and west. 
The dreaded scourge did not gain a foothold in New Bedford, the com- 
mittee adopting every precaution. 

The "Courier" of August 17, 1832, records the fact that the North 
Christian Church, ninety feet in length, seventy and a half feet in breadth 
and one hundred and forty-five feet to the top of spire, was raised in 

N B-12 



178 NEW BEDFORD 

three days by twenty men under the direction of the Messrs. Davenport. 
This was then probably the largest place of public worship in Bristol 
county. The fact is also recorded that no ardent spirits were used dur- 
ing the "raising." 

The years 1833-34 were seasons of great distress and financial em- 
barrassment in New Bedford, as elsewhere. A public meeting was held 
January 16, 1834, presided over by James Arnold, at which a committee 
was appointed to prepare resolutions which were adopted by the meet- 
ing, signed by 832 citizens of New Bedford, 219 of Dartmouth, 417 of 
Fairhaven, 287 of Wareham, 175 of Rochester, 136 of Westport — 2,058 
in all — and sent to Congressman John Reed to be presented to Congress. 
In his speech presenting the memorial, Mr. Reed eloquently spoke in 
behalf of New Bedford, stating that in but three cities of the Union 
were more vessels owned and in none were they more successfully or 
more usefully employed. 

Another destructive fire occurred November 13, 1834, beginning in 
a building on Water street occupied and partly owned by James Wady 
as a boot and shoe store. During the fire, difficulty was experienced in 
getting a piano through a doorway, and it was found necessary to saw 
the legs ofif, it not occurring to the enthusiastic firemen that the legs 
could much easier have been unscrewed. 

An anti-slavery society was formed at Lyceum Hall. June 25, 1834: 
the temperance question was kept constantly alive by discussion, and the 
"Mercury" stated in one issue that "The favorable state of affairs in 
New Bedford to-day as concerns grog shops and liquor elements is 
undeniably due to the earnest efforts of the citizens a generation or two 
ago to suppress intemperance and the sale of ardent spirits." 

Up to 1835 the selectmen had refused to license the circus and other 
traveling shows, but at two town meetings the subject was discussed, 
and finally, by a majority vote, they were instructed to license such enter- 
tainments. As a result, beginning December 23, 1835, Buckley, Week 
& Company's circus exhibited in the Amphitheater for two weeks. 

The Fourth of July, 1836, was observed with unusual ceremonies. 
All vessels in the harbor were brilliant with flags and bunting; the 
United States revenue cutter "McLane" fired an early salute, and in 
the evening was gayly illuminated ; a procession marched through the 
streets, and finally listened to an oration from the famous Wendell 
Phillips. 

The Young Men's Anti-Slavery Society was organized in 1836, and 
held its first annual meeting January 2, 1837, in the building once known 
as the Elm Street Academy. The same year the first directory of the 
town was published by J. C. Parmenter, edited by Henry H. Crape; sub- 
scription price, fifty cents ; extra binding, seventy-five cents. 

The subscription books for New Bedford's first railroad were opened 



NEW BEDFORD 179 

April 30, 1838, the New Bedford & Taunton railroad, and in less than 
eighteen months trains were running into New Bedford. 

In 1838 a short section of South Water street was paved as an ex- 
periment to test that method of improving the str-eets, the result being 
most gratifying. In 1839 the work was extended, South Water to 
School street, and Purchase from Union to William street, being paved. 
The report on the work testified that it "stood well," and recommended 
it as the best and most economical method of treating the streets. 

The Pacific Insurance Company for marine risks only was organ- 
ized February 9, 1839, capital $100,000; Elisha Dunbar president. 

This period witnessed the death of some of the most prominent men 
of the olden time and others, among whom were : 

Achus Sisson, February 24, 1830, aged 82. 

Ezekiel Chandler, April 17, 1830, aged 96. 

Major John Coggeshall, an officer of the Revolution, July 19, 1830, 
aged JT,. 

David Kempton, August 30, 1S30. 

Timothy Rowland, December 16, 1830, aged 78. 

Benjamin Lindsey, original proprietor of the "Mercury," November 
10, 1 83 1, aged 54. 

Ephraim Taber, May 19, 183 1, aged 80. 

Isaac T. Hathaway, January 25, 1833, aged 36; killed by a fall from 
a staging on the brig "Hope." 

Paul Hathaway, December 25, 1833, aged 78. 

Isaac Howland, an eminent and successful business man, January 
16, 1834, aged 78. 

David Kempton, January, 1835. 

Cornelius Howland, January 6, 1835. 

\\ illiam Gordon, an officer of the Revolution, January 26, 1835, 
aged 81. 

Philip Cannon, a wealthy citizen and soldier of the Revolution, Au- 
gust 24, 1835, aged 79. 

Thaddeus Swain, September 5, 1835, aged 83. 

Samuel Tupper, January 22, 1836, aged 78; a hero of the Revolution. 

Samuel Rodman, a prominent citizen and successful merchant, De- 
cember 24, 1836, aged 83. 

Allen Russell, of Fairhaven, February 17, 1836, aged 91. 

Captain Ephraim Simmons, an officer of the Revolution and a be- 
loved citizen, February 21, 1836, aged 97. 

Deliverance Bennett, a hero of the Revolution, August 26, 1836, 
aged 80. 

Humphrey Russell, an esteemed Friend, December 9, 1836, aged 99. 

Silas Swift, February 6, 1837, aged 92. 

Robert Wilson, January 22, 1837, aged 95. 

Desire Hathaway, widow of Obed Hathaway, January 29, 1837, 
aged loi years, 10 months, 14 days. 

Maria Jenney, wife of Jehaziel Jenney, August 29, 1837, aged 66. 

Daniel Taber, the first male child born in New Bedford, July 21, 
1838. aged 74 years. 

Captain Joseph Howland, July 10, 1839. 



■P 



i8o NEW BEDFORD 

This period (1830-1840) also witnessed the death of all military 
organizations in New Bedford. The village took but little interest 
in military affairs, the experiences of the war of 1S12 and the presence 
of a thousand soldiers quartered within her borders for the protection of 
the seacoast satisfying even the most ardent advocates of war ; while the 
peaceful tenets of the Society of Friends, which dominated in Bedford 
Village, served to confine the military force down to the simplest require- 
ments of the law. A light artillery and infantry company were main- 
tained, and gave tone to the Fourth of July celebrations and public 
parades. In 1819 Benjamin Lincoln, of New Bedford, was elected major- 
general of Massachusetts militia. Colonel Nathaniel Nelson commanded 
the Second Regiment Massachusetts Militia, Captain Reuben Swift com- 
manded the light infantry company, and Captain Dunham the artillery. 
In 1822 the regulation uniform for the State militia was adopted, and 
most gorgeous it was, consisting of coatees with scarlet collars, scarlet 
vests, dark blue trousers with broad scarlet stripes edged with gold or 
yellow worsted lace, and plumes or pompons black, tipped with red. 
This was for the artillery, their drivers wearing white frocks and 
trousers, black round hats with pompons, and a yellow metal plate in 
front, and black leather sword belts The infantry wore coatees with 
white underclothes, the trousers over the boots. The non-commissioned 
officers and privates wore metal plates and pompons in front, white 
tipped with black. 

In 1825 the light infantry company, under the command of Zacha- 
riah Hillman, and the artillery company, Lieutenant Comfort Whiting, 
had an "imposing parade" as part of the Fourth of July celebration. It 
was at about this time that the first boys' military company was formed, 
Rodolphus N. Swift, captain, George Randall, fifer, and among its mem- 
bers, James H. Howland, Alexander Allen. Gideon Randall, John Stall, 
Rufus Howland, and Fred Stall. 

In October, 1826, the New Bedford Washington Artillery, Captain 
John Harrison, made a trip to Nantucket, then being the first regularly 
uniformed military company ever seen in the town, then numbering a 
population of 8,000. The light infantry company and the Washington 
Artillery Company graced many patriotic occasions, and many of the 
well known men of the town at one time or another served in their ranks 
and as officers. Among them was General James D. Thompson, who 
came to New Bedford in 1827, and rose rapidly to high rank, being 
elected major-general of the Fifth Division Massachusetts Militia when 
but twenty-seven years of age. 

The Fourth of July celebration of 1833 was an event in the history 
of the town. In the procession was a boys' military company, the Frank- 
lin Blues of Fairhaven, and their fine appearance was gall and bitterness 
to the New Bedford boys. Soon afterward they organized the Jackson 



NEW BEDFORD i8i 

Blues, faithfully drilled in the old sail soft in the old meeting house on 
Elm street, and in a short time made their first parade in uniform, carry- 
ing an elegant white silk standard, subscribed for by the merchants and 
painted by Joseph R. Rumrill. The uniform (also paid for by subscrip- 
tion) consisted of a blue jacket with gold lace around the collar and gilt 
bell buttons, white trousers, a real morocco belt with a spread eagle upon 
the breast plate, a green velvet cap which stood up some four inches and 
turned over, coming to a point over the left ear and terminating with a 
handsome gold tassel ; spear, with black shaft and gilt head, was carried 
by each lad and their beautiful snow white banner, edged with gold cord 
and tassels, gracefully floated from the banner pole that was crowned 
with a golden battleax. The captain of this immortal band was Cyrus 
Washburn (son of Colonel Lysander Washburn), Elisha C. Leonard was 
lieutenant, and Tillinghast Bailey, Jr., ensign. The boys had a glorious 
summer, were frequently entertained at private residences, and after 
regular regimental muster were exhibited on the field in competition 
with the Fairhaven company, the Franklin Blues. A similar successful 
season was expected for 1834, but alack and alas! they had outgrown 
their uniforms, and thus in a perfectly legitimate and natural way died 
the Jackson Blues. 

At the regimental muster at Smith Mills in 1832, the New Bedford 
light infantry company became peeved at the position assigned it at the 
left of the line, on account of their coming on the field under command 
of a lieutenant (John H. Chapman). The company in previous years 
held the place of honor on the right of the line, and when they felt them- 
selves degraded, left the field, although Lieutenant Chapman kept his 
place in the line, thus escaping court-martial. The light infantry held 
several meetings as to whether they should accept the verdict of the 
court-martial — twelve dollars fine for each member and an apology from 
the company. They finally decided against apologizing and were dis- 
banded. Their last meeting was held December 17, 1833, at 12:30 p. m., 
and after the business meeting the company formed in line and marched 
up Union street. Later they partook of a banquet at the Eagle Hotel ; 
and thus closed the career of the light infantry company, an organization 
that had its origin as far back as the days of the Revolution. 

The light infantry was succeeded by the Mechanics' Rifle Company, 
organized in 1834, with Jeremiah G. Harris, captain, commissioned Janu- 
ary 28, 1834; Benjamin P. Shattuck, lieutenant, commissioned February 
28, 1834; Eliphalet Cushman, ensign, commissioned February 8, 1834; 
Charles O. Boutelle, clerk ; four sergeants, four corporals and sixty-three 
privates. Among the latter were Caleb Maxfield, E. L. Foster, James 
Foster, C. B. Lucas, Dexter Jenney, Horatio Bly, Stephen Curtis, Charles 
Tanner and William B. Doty. Captain Harris was elected major of the 
battalion of light infantry, July 18, 1836, and was succeeded as captain 



i82 NEW BEDFORD 

by Stephen Curtis. Other officers at that time were Lieutenant Seth H. 
Ingalls and Ensign Thomas Bailey. The uniform was a short frock coat, 
and trousers of gray cloth trimmed with black cord, the officers' uniforms 
being decorated with gold cord. The most imposing feature of the uni- 
form was the leather cap, crowned with a plume of silver-gray hair. 

The first public parade of the Rifles was on Friday, June 20, 1S34, 
headed by the Boston Brigade Band. After a parade and exhibition 
drill they marched to the residence of Ensign Timothy Ingraham, on 
North Second street, where an elegant standard was presented them by 
Mrs. Ingraham. The Rifles were often honored by frequent calls for 
escort duty, and in 1836 Edward L. White composed the "New Bedford 
Mechanics' Riflemen's March," and dedicated it to Alajor-General 
Thompson, a cop\- being preserved in the Public Library. The company 
disbanded December 27, 1837. 

The Washington Light Artillery- Company, whose life began during 
the Revolution, was disbanded in 1836. A list of members is impossi- 
ble, but the following were members of the company at different periods : 
James D. Proud, Stephen Daggett, Timothy Western, Gideon T. Sawyer. 
Joseph Chase, Isaac Maxfield, Caleb Hathaway, William Little, Samuel 
Little, George P. Dunham, Spooner Babcock, Lewis Thrasher, Philip 
Allen, Joseph Cromwell, Edward H. Wilkie, Thomas West, David E. 
Chase, William Phillips, Thomas Booth, Spencer Pollard, James Daven- 
port, Alden Braley, Reed Haskins, Ebenezer Parlow, Hartley H. Spar- 
row, Darius Davis, Thomas Jenney, James H. Collins, Charles Tobey, 
Elisha Everett, Benjamin F. Lewis, Thomas Peckham. Among the 
captains of this company were George Dunham, John Harrison, David 
Sylvester and Stephen W. Taber. The gun house of the company stood 
in the line of State street, near the big tree in the center of the Common. 
The "target shoots" were great occasions for the Bedford boys, who 
were sure to be present. They were held on the lot on County street, 
just south of the Bullock home, the target being placed near the Cove 
shore. The company, like the light infantry, graced many patriotic and 
social occasions, and were very popular. At the time they were dis- 
banded they had an elegant blue uniform, consisting of a double-breasted 
swallow-tail coat with heavy gilt buttons, and trousers decorated with 
heavy gold stripes. The head covering was a black chapeau surmounted 
with a plume of brilliant red feathers. Like the going out of the light 
infantry, the artillery's retirement was forced. General Thompson report- 
ing August 31, 1837, that he was unable to raise a volunteer company to 
take care of the guns, which, with the gun house, were in shocking condi- 
tion. In October, 1838, the guns were sent to Boston, the house was 
sold, and New Bedford left without a regular uniformed company. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 
From 1840 to 1847. 

The seven years preceding the incorporation of New Bedford as a 
city were years of business expansion and civic improvement. In 1840 
the New Bedford & Taunton railroad was completed, and opened to the 
public on July i ; the Whaling Insurance Company of New Bedford was 
organized the same year — George Rowland, Jr., president ; and the mar- 
ket and town hall building was finished and occupied. 

On April 27, 1841, a memorial service was held in memory of Wil- 
liam Henry Harrison, President of the United States, who died one 
month after his inauguration. A procession of military companies, reve- 
nue officers. Congressmen and civic officials, and citizens one thousand 
strong, led by General James D. Thompson, marched to solemn music 
to the North Baptist Church, where an impressive service was held. 

In 1841 began the agitation for changing the form of local govern- 
ment with a campaign by a series of newspaper articles from "Romulus," 
who strongly championed the movement. "Remus," "North End" and 
"Interrogation" responded, and a most interesting discussion followed. 
But the people were not ready for the change, as was shown by a vote 
taken at the town meeting held February 5, 1842, when by a vote of 
373 for to 320 against the meeting adopted the resolution offered by 
Benjamin T. Congdon indefinitely postponing consideration of applying 
for a city charter. In 1841 the town house on South Second street was 
fitted up as an armory for the use of the newly organized New Bedford 
Guards, and for police court rooms. The Parker House was opened 
February 10, 1842, with a banquet given by the proprietors, Horton & 
Son, to about two hundred invited guests. Many brilliant speeches were 
made, among them one by John Avery Parker, who responded to the 
toast, "The Parker House." The hotel was built by Mr. Parker and 
occupied by him as a private residence, and when converted into a public 
house of entertainment was named in his honor. 

Fall River having been the victim of a disastrous fire on the after- 
noon of July 2, 1843, a public meeting was held in the town hall July 2 
to raise funds for the sufferers. The result was $1,581 in cash, and six 
wagonloads of furniture, clothing and provisions. 

On the evening of September 27, 1843, John Quincy Adams, a for- 
mer President of the United States, visited New Bedford as the gue.st of 
Joseph Grinnell, and was escorted from the depot by a company of forty 
young men with torches. The next day a public reception was tendered 
the distinguished guest in the town hall, Chairman of the Board of 
Selectmen James B. Congdon making the address of welcome. After a 



i84 NEW BEDFORD 

twenty-minute responsive speech by ex-President Adams, hundreds of 
citizens availed themselves of the privilege of shaking hands with their 
honored guest. President Adams had previously visited New Bedford, 
arriving from Nantucket with his son and several others on Saturday, 
September 19, 1835, in the steamer "Telegraph,'' and spending Sunday 
at the Mansion House. In 1843 Daniel Webster argued a will case in 
New Bedford, the court room in the court house being packed with eager 
listeners to his eloquent plea. 

The period of 1841-1849 witnessed the rise and fall of a volunteer 
light infantry company, the New Bedford Guard, one of the best organ- 
ized and most thoroughly equipped military organizations the city ever 
had. The Guard was organized January 25, 1841. with the following 
officers: Captain Harrison G. O. Colby; Lieutenants James H. Collins, 
Samuel Watson, James H. Crocker; Sergeants Henry P. Willis, James B. 
Congdon, Daniel Sylvester, John H. Chapman, William Howe ; Corporals 
Cyrus W. Chapman, Josiah B. King, Nathaniel R. Childs, Robert K. 
Eastman ; Surgeons, William R. Wells, R. R. S. Andros ; Treasurer 
James B. Congdon ; Armorers Nicholas T. Brownell, William Brownell. 
The membership roll comprised about one hundred citizens, many of 
them men of prominence. Henry C. Kelly was the one hundredth signer 
of the roll of members, and thereafter was known in the Guards as "Old 
Hundred." Music was furnished by the Guards' Brass Band, a well 
trained organization led by Sihon Packard. 

The Guard uniform was most gorgeous ; swallow-tail coat of blue, 
trimmed with white and with shoulder knots ; trousers of the same 
material and color trimmed with white ; black leather belts with priming 
wire and brush attached ; cartridge boxes held in position by broad white 
cross belts over the shoulders ; regular caps of that unpopular form 
called "coal hods." The hat was of black leather closely fitting the crown 
of the head and rose in the form of an inverted bell, finished with a 
square flat top. From this floated a tall plume of white and red feathers, 
a braided loop of white cording ; from the sides across the front and over 
the silver-plated visor was a fluted metal plate, called the ray, with a 
gold spread eagle, both brilliantly polished. This hat was only worn on 
festive occasions and public parades, on which occasions the Guards also 
wore trousers of white instead of blue. 

The Guards first paraded in public on April 27, 1841, performing 
escort duty in the commemoration exercises held in memory of President 
Harrison. Their next public appearance was at the funeral of one of 
their own members. John Howland Allen, held in the Methodist Epis- 
copal church on Fourth street, May 27, 1841. Lieutenant James B. 
Congdon resigned from the company July 29, 1841, in deference to the 
principles of the Society of Friends, of which he was a birthright mem- 
be'r. The career of the Guards was marked by a long series of social 



NEW BEDFORD 185 

events at home and in other communities, they being entertained and 
entertaining in return the Providence Light Infantry, the Cohannet Rifle 
Company, and the Norfolk Guards of Roxbury ; visited Nantucket ; 
joined with other military companies in the celebration attending the 
dedication of Bunker Hill monument in Boston, June 17, 1843, ^'^<^ lis- 
tened to the wonderful oration delivered by Daniel Webster ; entertained 
the Boston Light Infantry, who held a three days' encampment in the 
town, beginning August 2, 1843; acted as escort to the Governor at the 
annual encampment at South Bridgewater, September 25, 1843; began 
a three days' encampment at Providence, Rhode Island, August 22, 1844, 
were royally entertained and royally welcomed home ; received the 
Union Rifle Company of New York City, July 2, 1846; and each year of 
their existence held an annual "target shoot" and were a feature in all 
Independence Day parades and patriotic celebrations. In fact, their 
treasury was often replenished by assessments upon the private purses 
of the members, the round of joyousness pursued meaning heavy ex- 
penses. After a severe financial loss in 1847, through the failure of an 
excursion of the Guards to Edgarton, their spirit seemed broken and in 
1848 committees were appointed to wind up affairs. Weekly drills and 
business meetings were held until June, 1847, when the New Bedford 
Guards, who by their discipline, soldierly deportment, numerical strength 
and martial bearing had won the highest praise from the military author- 
ities of the State, ceased to exist. 

In 1846 the committee appointed by the annual town meeting to 
suppress the liquor traffic was instructed to call upon every family in 
town and ascertain their position on the temperance question and whether 
they would sign a total abstinence pledge. 

In the year 1847, ^t a special town meeting held January 23, the 
question of a city charter was referred to a committee of twenty citizens : 
J. H. W. Page, George Rowland, Jr., Sampson Perkins, John Baylies, 
Horatio A. Kempton, Thomas Mandell, George Hussey, Henry H. Crapo, 
Abraham Barker, John H. Gifford, William H. Taylor, Henry Taber, 
James H. Collins, Edward W. Green, I. D. Hall, G. M. Robinson, Ward 
M. Parker, Thomas A. Greene, Ephraim Kempton, Seth Russell. The 
committee reported a form of charter to a meeting held February 6, sev- 
eral amendments being made by the meeting. A warm discussion fol- 
lowed, but finally the committee was instructed to petition the General 
Court for an act granting New Bedford a city charter. Another town 
meeting was held March 8 to further consider the subject, but adjourned 
without action. On March 18. 1847, an election was held upon the 
acceptance of an "Act to Establish the City of New Bedford," the vote 
resulting: For, 1,150; against, 814. 

Among the deaths occurring in this period (1840-1847) were the 
following : 



i86 NEW BEDFORD 

William Hovvland, Way 4, 1840, aged 84. 

Nathaniel Rogers, November 31, 1840, aged 56. 

Captain Joseph Dunbar, July 20, 1841, aged 54. 

Weston Howland, August 6, 1841, aged 78. 

Joseph Ricketson, October 9, 1841, aged 71 ; cashier of the New Bed- 
ford Commercial Bank, a man of unblemished character and great use- 
fulness. 

John Hathaway, January 16, 1842, aged 87; a pensioner of the Revo- 
lution and the oldest citizen at the time of his death. 

Thurston Potter, June 16, 1844, aged 86. 

Elihu Russell, July 24, 1844, aged 80. 

Deacon James Tripp, August 8, 1844, aged 65 ; one of the original 
members of William Street Baptist Church. 

Benjamin Drew, March 18, 1847, aged 80; a soldier of the Revolu- 
tion. 

Captain Stephen Merrihew, June 15, 1847; a prominent and highly 
respected citizen of the town. 

In the following list is preserved the names of the selectmen of the 
town of Dartmouth from 1682 until the setting off of New Bedford in 
1787, and from that year until the city of New Bedford was incorporated 
in 1847. The original spelling of the records is preserved : 

1682-83-84 — John Rusel, Arthur Hathaway, John Cooke. 

1685 — Seth Pope, Jonathan Russell, Thomas Taber. 

1686-87 — Joseph Tripp, Seth Pope, Jonathan Delino. 

1688 — Abraham Tucker, James Tripp. 

1689 — Seth Pope, Jonathan Delino, James Sison. 

1692 — Thomas Taber, Joseph Tripp, Thomas Brigs. 

1693 — Thomas Taber, John Akin, George Cadmus. 

1694 — Thomas Taber, Abraham Tucker, George Cadmus. 

1695 — Jonathan Delino, Recompense Kirby, William Soal. 

1696 — Jonathan Delino, Abraham Tucker, George Cadman. 

1697 — George Soul, Isaac Pope, Benjamin Howland. 

1698 — George Cadman, John Tucker, Jonathan Dilinay. 

1699 — Thomas Taber, Nathaniel Howland, Joseph Tripp. 

1700 — Eliezer Smith, Thomas Hadaway, Thomas Rogers. 

1701-02 — Joseph Tripp, William Soul, James Samson. 

1703-04 — Jonathan Delano, John Tucker, Philip Taber. 

1705 — William Spooner, Thomas Getchel, Joseph Hix. 

1706 — Joseph Tripp, Dilliverance Smith. 

1708 — Josej)h Tripp, Deliverance Smith, Thomas Taber, Jr. 

1710 — Joseph Tripp, Deliverance Smith, John Aken. 

1711-12 — John Russell, John Taber, John Tripp. 

1713-14 — John Tripp, John Taber, Gersham Smith. 

1716 — Phillip Taber, John Akin, John Taber. 

1717 — Deliverance Smith, Thomas Taber, Jr., George Lawton. 

1718 — Jonathan Deleno, Nathaniel Soule, John Tripp. 

1719-20-21-22— John Akin, Phillip Taber, Thomas Taber, Jr. 

1723 — John Akin, Berriah Goddard, Jacob Taber. 

1725-26 — John Akin, Philip Taber, Jacob Taber. 

1727 — Berriah Goddard, Isaac Howland, Jacob Taber. 



NEW BEDFORD 187 

1728-29 — Berriah Goddard, Henry Howland, Stephen West, Jr. 

1730 — Jacob Taber, Timothy Shearman, Isaac Wood (elected but re- 
fused) ; John Tripp, Beriah Goddard, James Howland, Stephen West, Jr. 

1731 — James Howland, Stephen West, Jr., John Tripp. 

1732 — Stephen West, Jr., James Howland, John Tripp. 

1733 — John Tripp, James Howland, Benjamin Allen. 

1734 — Jacob Taber, John Tripp, John Akin. 

1735 — John Tripp, Joseph Tucker, Benjamin Allen. 

1736 — Benjamin Allen, Joseph Tucker, Isaac Wood. 

1737 — John Tripp, Holden Slocum, Benjamin Allen. 

1738 — Nathaniel Soul, Holden Slocum, Benjamin Allen. 

1739 — Benjamin Allen, Holden Slocum, Nathaniel Soul. 

1740 — Captain Samuel Willis, James Allen, Jonathan Sisson. 

1741 — lohn Tripp, Humphry Smith, Stephen West. 

1742 — John Tripp, Humphry Smith, Stephen West, Jr. 

1743 — Jedediah Wood, Jonathan Taber, Humphry Smith. 

1744 — Moses Mendal. Humphry Smith, James Tripp. 

174:^ — Jedediah Wood, Humphry Smith, Moses Mendal. 

1746 — Humphry Smith, Jedediah Wood, Jonathan Taber. 

1747 — Humphry Smith, John Soul, Jonathan Taber. 

1748— Captain Lemuel Pope, Humphry Smith, Jedediah Wood. 

1749 — John Wing, Jedediah Wood, Richard Pierce. (Jedediah Wood 
refusing, Peleg Hudelstone was chosen). 

1750 — Humphry Smith, Jedediah Wood, Thomas Hathaway. 

1751— John Shepherd, Jirah Swift, Jedediah Wood. 

1752— Captain Nathaniel Sole, Peleg Smith, Jirah Swift. 

i753_Peleg Smith, Jirah Swift, Captain Nathaniel Sole. 

1754 — Richard Cornal, William Hart, James Hathaway. 

1755-56 — Jireh Swift, John Soule, Benjamin Akin. 

i757_jethro Hathaway, Christopher Cadman, Holden Slocum. 

i758_Humphry Smith, Jireh Swift, Christopher Cadman. 

1 75C)-6o— Humphry Smith, Walter Spooner, Christopher Cadman. 

1761-62-63-64 — Humphry Smith, Walter Spooner, Ezekiel Cornell. 

1765— Humphry Smith, Walter Spooner, Daniel Wood. 

1766-67-68-69 — Walter Spooner, Daniel Wood, Giles Slocum. 

1770-71 — Walter Spooner, Walter Davis, Giles Slocum. 

1772 — William Davis, Giles Slocum, Seth Russell. 

1773-74-75-76-77— Jabez Barker, Jr., William Davis, William Tall- 
man. .,_,..„ 11 T 

1778 Aulden Spooner, Thomas Kempton, Benjamm Russell, Jr., 

Job Almy. . t-, h t tut ^ 

i77g_\Villiam Davis. Richard Kirby, Benjamm Russell, Jr., Mele- 
tiah Hathaway, Thomas Kempton, Aulden Spooner, Benjamin Church. 

1780— Richard Kirby, Benjamin Russell, Alden Spooner, William 
Davis, Thomas Kempton, Meletiah Hathaway. 

1781— Benjamin Russell, Pardon Cook, William Davis. 

1782— Edward Pope, Jabez Barker, Stephen Peckcom. 

1783-84-85— Ebenezer Willis, Jabez Barker, Stephen Peckcom. 

1786— Ebenezer Willis, Henry Smith, William Almy. 

i787_John West, Isaac Pope, William Tallman. 

This was the first board of selectmen chosen for the newly erected 
town of New Bedford : 



i88 NEW BEDFORD 

1788-89-90-91-92— Walter Spooner, William Tallman, Stephen Hath- 
away. 

1793 — William Tallman, Ebenezer Keen, Bartholomew Aikin. 
1794-95-96 — Walter Spooner, William Tallman, Isaac Shearman. 
1797 — Alden Spooner, William Tallman, Isaac Shearman. 
1798-99 — .Alden Spooner, William Tallman, Joseph Bennett. 
1800-01 — William Tallman, Alden Spooner, Kelley Eldredge. 
1802 — William Tallman, Simpson Hart, Kelley Eldredge. 
1S03— Alden Spooner, Cornelius Grinnell, Joseph Bennett. 
1804 — Roger Haskell, Bartholomew Aikin, James Taber. 
1S05 — Bartholomew Aikin, James Taber, Silas Kempton. 
1806 — James Taber, Roger Haskell, Thomas Nye, Jr. 
1807-08-09 — Alden Spooner, Roger Haskell, Thomas Nye, Jr. 
1810 — Alden Spooner, Roger Haskell, Killey Eldredge. 
181 1 — -Alden Spooner, Roger Haskell, Joseph Church. 

In 1812 the town of Fairhaven was set off from New Bedford. 

1812-13 — Roger Haskell, Samuel Perry, Manasseh Kempton. 

1814 — Roger Haskell, Samuel Perry, Captain William Hathaway. 

1815 — Samuel Perry, Alannasseh Kempton, Joseph Ricketson. 

1816 — Joseph Ricketson, Jonathan Swift, James Howland, Jr. 

1817 — James Howland. Jr., \N'illiam Hathaway, Manasseh Kempton. 

1818-19 — Manasseh Kempton, William Hathaway, Dudley Daven- 
port. 

1820 — Roger Haskell. William Hathaway, Eli Haskell. 

1821 — Eli Haskell, Gideon Howland, Jr., William Hathaway. 

1822 — Eli Haskell, Gideon Howland, Jr., Killey Eldredge. 

1823 — William Hathaway, Elkanah Tallman, Ephraim Kempton. 

1824 — Ephraim Kempton, William Hathaway, Joseph Bourne. 

1825-26-^William Hathaway. Joseph Bourne, Ephraim Kempton. 

1827-28 — Joseph Bourne, William Hathaway, Ephraim Kempton. 

1829 — Joseph Bourne, William C. Nye, Thomas Mandell. 

1830-31 — William C. Nye, Thomas Mandell, Joseph R. Shiverick. 

1832 — Alfred Gibbs, Eli Haskell, Ephraim Kempton. 

1833 — Charles W. Morgan, James B. Congdon, Samuel Little. 

1834 — Charles W. Morgan, James B. Congdon, Thomas Nickerson. 

1835 — James B. Congdon, Joseph R. Shiverick, Thomas Nickerson. 

1836 — James B. Congdon, Samuel Tobey. E. N. Chaddock. 

1837 — James B. Congdon, Thomas B. Bush, Ephraim Kempton. 

1838-39 — James B. Congdon, Thomas B. Bush, John P. West. 

1840 — James B. Congdon, Ephraim Kempton, John P. West. 

1841 — Samson Perkins, Edward W. Greene, Rodney French. 

1842-43-44-45 — Ephraim Kempton, James B. Congdon, George How- 
land, Jr. 

1846 — George Howland, Jr., John Baylie, Horatio A. Kempton. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

The First Years as a City, 1847- 1860. 

The city charter, adopted March 18, 1847, divided the city into six 
wards, and on April 28 the city government organized with the follow- 
ing officials : 

Mayor — Abraham H. Rowland. 

Alderman Ward i — John Avery Parker. 
Alderman Ward 2 — Thomas B. White. 
Alderman Ward 3 — Ivory H. Bartlett. 
Alderman Ward 4 — William H. Taylor. 
Alderman Ward 5 — James B. Wood. 
Alderman Ward 6 — Edward W. Rowland. 

Councilmen Ward i — Abraham Gardner, 

— Joseph Clarke, 

— Clement Covell, 

— Jere. Greenman. 
Councilmen Ward 2— Perry G. Macomber, 

— Isaac M. West, 

— Pardon Potter, Jr., 

— Abraham Delano. 
Councilmen Ward 3 — Peleg Butts, Jr., 

— Isaac Brownell. 

— James Durfee, Jr., 

— Bennett Wilcox. 
Councilmen Ward 4 — L. Macomber, 

—Caleb L. Ellis, 

—William H. Allen, 

— Daniel McKenzie. 
Councilmen Ward 5 — James B. Congdon, 

— Lemuel Kollock, 

— Francis Baker, 

— Charles R. Tucker. 
Councilmen Ward 6 — B. P. Rowland, 

' — James L. Pierce, , 

• — Josiah S. Bonney, 

— Nathaniel Gilbert. 

Overseer of the Poor Ward i — Obed Nye. 
Overseer of the Poor Ward 2— Roratio A. Kempton. 
Overseer of the Poor Ward 3 — Robert Ingraham. 
Overseer of the Poor Ward 4 — William A. Gordon. 
Overseer of the Poor Ward 5 — David Brayton. 
Overseer of the Poor Ward 6 — Edward W. Rowland. 

Assessor Ward i — George A. Bourne. 
Assessor Ward 2 — I. M. Richardson. 
Assessor Ward 3 — Ichabod Chase. 
Assessor Ward 4 — John R. Thornton. 



I90 NEW BEDFORD 

Assessor Ward 5 — Barnabas S. Perkins. 
Assessor Ward 6 — Benjamin R. Sayer. 

School Committee Ward i — George A. Bourne, 

— Linneas Wood, 

—Daniel C. Bent. 
School Committee Ward 2 — Sylvester Holmes, 

— Horatio A. Kempton, 

— Luther G. Hewins. 
School Committee Ward 3 — William H. Stowell, 

— Thomas Davis, 

— William W. Sweet. 
School Committee Ward 4 — Rufus Babcock, 

— Charles Haffords, 

- — Thomas D. Elliot. 
School Committee Ward 5 — Thomas A. Greene, 

— George Howland, Jr., 

— William Howe. 
School Committee Ward 6 — Henry H. Crape, 

—William P. Howland, 

— Francis Post. 

On Wednesday afternoon, April 28, 1847, the inaugural ceremonies 
were held in the Common Council chamber. The oath of office was ad- 
ministered by Hon. Oliver Prescott, and prayer was ofifered by Rev. 
Moses Howe. The newly obligated first mayor of the city, Abraham 
H. Howland, delivered a lengthy address in which he referred to New 
Bedford as a city of 16,000 population, annually appropriating from 
$70,000 to $80,000 for city purposes. At the conclusion of the mayor's 
address, James B. Congdon was elected president of the Common Coun- 
cil ; Henry H. Crapo, city treasurer and collector; Isaac M. Richardson, 
city clerk. The school committee organized by electing Thomas A. 
Greene chairman and William Howe secretary. Timothy Ingraham was 
chosen the first city marshal, and given two assistant marshals — Shubael 
G. Edwards and William O. Russell. Six policemen were appointed : 
Thomas Davis, George W. Shearman, Daniel Ripley, Lewis G. Allen, 
Marshall B. Bird, Joshua P. Dunbar. Eight watchmen also guarded the 
young city : Otis H. Horton, captain ; Calvin Harvey, Ichabod Cogges- 
hall, James N. Sampson, Thomas Albert, John C. Banker, John Allen, 
Winthrop Adams. 

The city at this time was enjoying a condition of great prosperity, 
due to a large extent to the whaling industry, and the new city entered 
upon its career as a municipality under most favorable circumstances. 
The establishment of the city charter seemingly gave great satisfaction 
to a majority of the people, the prevailing sentiment being voiced in a 
strong editorial in the "Mercury," which closed in the following: "Suc- 
cess to the city of New Bedford. May she ever be foremost in good 
works, ever be eminent as the friend of freedom, liberality, good will. 



NEW BEDFORD 191 

education and Christianity. To the latest generation may she be a burn- 
ing and a shining light. May she be illuminated with the oil of gladness 
and blessed with plenty and prosperity.'' 

The first Independence Day celebration was one of especial interest. 
Excursion boats brought 1,700 visitors from Edgarton and Nantucket, 
and many hundreds came from surrounding towns. The day was given 
over to patriotic rejoicing. The parade, headed by General James D. 
Thompson, marshal of the day, was enlivened by the New Bedford 
Guards, under Captain Seth Russell, and the Citizens' Band, while in 
line were the entire city government, civil officers, lodges of Free Masons, 
Odd Fellows, Sons of Temperance, many citizens, and the fire depart- 
ments of New Bedford, Fairhaven and Nantucket. An oration was de- 
livered by J. A. Kasson, and a grand display of fireworks in the evening 
closed the celebration. 

On January 10, 1847, the new almshouse on Clark's Point was 
opened with public service. 

The making of daguerreotypes was begun in the same year in New 
Bedford by C. E. Hawes & Brothers, in their rooms in Liberty Hall. 
The "Mercury" announced in strong headlines the receipt of news only 
"twenty-eight days later from Europe." 

The "Dudley Davenport" fire, one of the fiercest ever experienced in 
the history of the city, occurred May 18, 1848. 

An item of interest not to be overlooked in this early period of city 
history is the unusual attention given to the care of the streets. In 1848 
there were thirty miles of streets in the settled portion of the city, twenty 
miles of which were graded, curbed and flagged. The attention given by 
the government to this feature of city improvement has proved an exam- 
ple succeeding administrations have found worthy of emulation, and 
New Bedford can boast of her well kept streets. 

Public sewers were built through portions of Union and Middle 
streets in 1852; through School, Kempton and Spring streets in 1853: 
William and Maxfield streets in 1854; Hillman and Bush streets in 1855; 
Merrimac, Kempton. Bedford, Third and Sycamore streets in 1857. 

Father Matthew, the great apostle of temperance, came to the city 
in September, 1849, several hundreds signing the total abstinence pledge 
as a result of his labors. In 1849 Asiatic cholera claimed several New 
Bedford citizens as its prey, but the disease was not epidemic. 

Solemn funeral services in memory of President Zachary Taylor 
were held Tuesday, August 6, 1850, in the North Christian Church. A 
long and representative procession was formed at city hall at midday, 
under the direction of General James D. Thompson, with Major George 
A. Bourne and Colonel James H. Collins serving as his aides, with the 
assistance of Colonel David Baker and twenty-one citizens. The mili- 
tary, fire department and Masonic lodges and civil societies joined in the 



192 NEW BEDFORD 

procession, which moved to the rhythm of slowly tolling bells and the 
firing of minute guns. 

The Free Public Library, located at 139 Union street, was opened 
to the public March 3, 1853. In 1854 the "Point Road" was laid out and 
graded to a width of eighty feet. Later the name French avenue was 
bestowed in honor of Rodney French, under whose administration as 
mayor this pleasure drive was opened to the public. 

On the night of October 18, 1854, the fire occurred in Horatio A. 
Kempton's lumber yard ; and on the night of November 6 the famous 
Liberty Hall building was entirely destroyed. This was one of the his- 
toric buildings of New Bedford, and stood on the lot at the corner of 
Purchase and William streets, given in 1795 to the First Congregational 
Church by William Rotch. A church was built and occupied by the 
society until the completion of the stone church at the corner of Eighth 
and Union streets, when the building was sold and became Liberty Hall. 
It was used for lectures, political meetings and entertainments ; was 
enlarged from time to time, and about 1846 stage and scenery rendered 
it a favored place of theatrical entertainment. From its stage those great 
apostles of freedom, William Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillips, Fred- 
erick Douglass, Stephen Foster, Thoedore Parker. Parker Pillsbury and 
Henry Ward Beecher, thundered forth their anathemas against the slave 
trade, and in eloquent periods pleaded the cause of the lowly and the 
oppressed. The bell, known as "New Bedford's Liberty Bell," often 
rang out its warning to the fugitive slave that danger was nigh. This 
bell was bought February 18, 1796, of Captain Silas Jones, of Nantucket, 
the purchase price, $255, being raised by subscription. The second 
largest subscription of six dollars was made by a colored man, Aaron 
Childs ; the largest, ten dollars, by Thomas Pope. In the fire which 
ended the career of the old hall, the bell was melted, but the metal was 
rescued when the ruins cooled, tea bells and other articles were made 
from it, and in many homes are yet preserved as souvenirs of the past. 

The old-time "Ark" riots of 1826 and 1829 were paralleled in 1856, 
and from a similar cause. For weeks there had been an undercurrent of 
dissatisfaction over conditions which had become prevalent on Howland 
and South Water streets ; in fact, the eastern section along the river 
front was in bad repute. Dance halls, gambling houses, saloons and 
hotels abounded ; fights, robberies and every sort of crime prevailed ; 
and, finally, conditions reached a climax in murder. There were many 
signs prevalent which warned the authorities that mob law was intended, 
and the municipal authorities, with Mayor George Howland, Jr., pre- 
pared to enforce the observance of the law. But the mob perfected their 
plans, and on Saturday night, April 19, 1856, the Howland street riot 
occurred. The building at No. 17 was torn down and burned, and when 
the fire department arrived they were unable to fight the flames, the 



NEW BEDFORD 193 

rioters cutting the leading length of hose. The police were helpless and 
the City Guards, under Captain Timothy Ingraham, did little effective 
work. At midnight the mob dispersed and the riot was over. 

The greatest fire in the history of the city began at noon on August 
24, 1859, in the engine room of William Wilcox's planing mill, on the 
east side of Water street, now the site of the Tillinghast mill. A strong 
southeast wind was blowing at the time, and the fire spread rapidly, 
leaping across the street along the wharves, and soon shops, factories, 
stores, buildings and ships were a mass of flames. Cargoes of oil stored 
along the wharves caught fire, and the ship "John and Edward," lying at 
the Richmond & Wilcox Wharf, was a mass of flames from deck to 
masthead. The oil at this point ran from the wharf to the water and a. 
one time a considerable area of the river was literally a sea of fire. By 
nightfall the fire had spent its fury and the danger was over. Several 
buildings had been blown up by the engineers in order to stop the spread 
of the flames. The total destruction of property, according to the books 
of the board of engineers, was $254,575, with less than $7,000 insurance. 
The sad feature of this fire was that the loss fell principally upon a«class 
of industrious, worthy men, many of whom saw the hard earnings of 
years swept away in the flames. Some lost not only their business, but 
their homes ; yet out of it all came the new era of "better fire protection." 
The old "tubs" were relegated to the rear, the steam fire engine came to 
the front, and a final result was the present efficient fire department. 

During the five years of 1847-1S52, some of the prominent streets of 
the city were opened : 

1847 — Walden street from Maxfield to Sycamore; Sycamore from 
Walden to County; Franklin from Cbunty to Purchase; Orchard from 
Hawthorn to Arnold. 

1848 — Walnut from Water to the river; Mill from Hill to County; 
Arnold from County to Orchard ; Grinnell from County to Bonney 
street: Pleasant from Franklin to Pope; Hathaway road from Perry's 
Neck road to Smith Mills road ; Nash road from Acushnet avenue to 
Perry's Neck road ; School from Seventh to County ; South Second to 
Griffin street; Bonney from Allen to Washington; Hillman from North 
Second to North Water street. 

iS4^_Hillman from Summer to Chestnut; Cedar from North to 
Smith ; Elm from Summer to Ash. 

1850 — Pope from County to Purchase; Parker from County to wood 
land of Dr. A. Reed; Bush from County to Orchard; Summer from 
Kempton to Hillman ; Charles from Kempton to County : Ray from Pearl 
to County ; Merrimac from Ray to Purchase ; Mill from Cedar to County ; 
North from Cedar to Countv : Hillman from Chestnut to Cedar ; Cypress 
from Kempton to Hillman ; First from Union to William ; Chestnut from 
Hillman to Smith; Fourth from Bedford to A. Giflford's land; Union 
from Orchard to Cottage. 

1852— Parker from Cummins to Oak Grove Cemetery; Crapo from 
Grinnell to South ; Sycamore from Chestnut to County ; Sycamore from 



194 



NEW BEDFORD 



Pleasant to Walden ; Sycamore from Chestnut to Cedar ; Pearl from Pur- 
chase to Pleasant ; Orange from Grinnell to South ; Cottage from Haw- 
thorn to Bedford ; Pleasant from Franklin to Merrimac : State from 
Willis to Franklin ; Forest from County to Bonney. 

During the same period (1847-1852) there were recorded the deaths 
of the following well known citizens : \ 

John Taber, October 19, 1847, ag^f\75- 

Abraham Shearman, December 26. 1847. 

Ephraim Delano, January 8, 1849, aged 79. 

Manassah Kempton, February 6, 18-19. aged S3. 

Robert Wait. April 30. 1849, aged yi. 

Captain John Rowland, November (9. 1849. aged y;^. 

Captain David Jenney. November 10. 1S49. aged 82. 

Captain David Brayton, January 21,, 1850, aged 66. 

Captain Noah Stoddard, January 29, aged 95 ; a soldier of the Revo- 
lution. 

Cornelius Grinnell. April 19, 1850, aged 92. 

Desire Howland, June 28, 1850, aged 81. 

James Hathaway, October 22, 1850, aged 60. 

John Howland, October 10, 1851, aged 70. 

William Tallman. April 19, 1852. aged 92. 

John Avery Parker. December 30. 1832. aged 84: one of the most 
influential men of his day. 




CHAPTER XXVIII. 
The CivU War Period. 

Lukewarm as New Bedford had been in former wars, nothing but 
praise is her due for the support given the government in the war be- 
tween the States, 1861-1865. In response to President Lincohi's first call, 
the New Bedford Guards, Company L, Third Regiment Massachusetts 
Militia, stood in line on the morning of April 16, 1861, four days after the 
attack on Fort Sumter. Ex-Governor John H. Clifford closed his address 
to the departing soldiers with these words : "Go in peace about your 
families ; your fellow citizens will see to it that those you leave behind 
shall want for nothing while you are gone. We shall hear from you on 
the field of duty, and that not one has failed wherever he may be. God 
keep you safe under His care and bring you back with untarnished glory, 
to be received by your fellow citizens with hearty joy and honor." They 
were then escorted to the station, and thus went the first of the 3,200 
men furnished by New Bedford during the war, that being 1,110 men 
over the number demanded by the government. 

Home defence was undertaken by putting Fort Phoenix in good 
order, and the erection of a sand battery on Clark's Point, which 
mounted three twenty-four-pounders. The Ladies' Soldiers' Relief Soci- 
ety was formed, and work was at once begun by the ladies. In their 
patriotic work, the society reflected great credit upon the city. The 
ofiicial report says the society donated in cash over $20,000; in cotton 
goods and flannels, $4,000; and in hospital stores, $6,000. The report of 
the Society for the Comfort and Relief of Our Soldiers in Hospitals 
shows that they furnished among other things : 5,904 flannel shirts, 3,887 
pairs of drawers, 4,573 pairs of woolen socks, 1,790 towels, 94 coats, 76 
waist coats, 120 collars, 1,000 handkerchiefs, 368 cravats, 314 dressing 
gowns, 1,837 pocket handkerchiefs, 300 pairs of trousers, 148 napkins, 
679 pairs of slippers, 265 pairs of woolen mittens, 524 blankets, 515 
sheets, 673 pillows, 750 quilts, 988 canes, and 1,280 woolen undershirts. 
In addition $500 was given by a lady to pay soldiers' wives for sewing. 
Mrs. Joseph Delano was president of the society organized April 11, 
1861 ; Mrs. Lawrence Grinnell, vice-president; Mrs. William Eddy, sec- 
retary-treasurer. ; 

The city authorities were most generous in financial support of all 
war measures, and gave every aid. Companies A, Captain Henry F. 
Thomas; B, Captain William S. Cobb, and C, Captain George A. Bourne, 
were formed for home defence ; and an artillery company was organized 
under the command of General James D. Thompson to garrison the forts, 
an appropriation of $5,000 being made for the maintenance of the home 
and coast guard. 



196 NEW BEDFORD 

Among the field and staff officers of the Third Regiment Massachu- 
setts Volunteer Infantry mustered into the service April 23, 1861, were 
the following New Bedford men : David W. Wardrop, colonel ; John H. 
Jennings, major ; Alexander S. Holmes, surgeon ; Johnson Clark, assist- 
ant surgeon; Austin S. Cushman, adjutant; Albert C. Magg, sergeant- 
major ; Frederick S. Gifford, quartermaster-sergeant. 

The line officers of Company L (New Bedford Guards) who marched 
away April 16, 1861, were: Timothy Ingraham, captain; James Barton, 
first lieutenant ; Austin S. Cushman, second lieutenant ; Samuel Hart, 
first sergeant ; William M. Bales, Elisha Doane, Thomas S. Palmer, ser- 
geants ; Nathan B. Mayhew, Walter D. Keith, Timothy D. Cook, Jr., 
Anthony D. Lang, corporals. Privates, seventy-seven. 

The company performed their three months' term of enlistment in 
honor, rendered efifective service and was mustered out of the service at 
Boston, July 22, 1861. 

In October, 1861, Company D, Twenty-third Regiment Massachu- 
setts Infantry, was recruited in New Bedford, most of the men of the 
company being residents of the city. When they departed the officers 
of the company were: Cornelius Howland, Jr., captain ; Samuel C. Hart, 
first lieutenant ; Anthony Lang, second lieutenant. 

The Twenty-third saw hard service, and inscribed upon their regi- 
mental battle flag are the battles of Roanoke, Newbern, Rawles Mills, 
Kinston, Goldsboro, Wilcox Bridge, Newton, Smithfield, Heckman's 
Farm, Arrowfield Church, Drury's Bluflf and Cold Harbor. They were 
mustered out at Readville, July 12, 1865. 

The Fifth Battery was the outgrowth of the artillery company 
organized at New Bedford for coast defense in the summer of 1861. A 
large proportion of its officers and men were New Bedford citizens, and 
when the battery left for the front the following New Bedford men were 
its officers: Max Eppendorf, captain; John B. Hyde, first lieutenant; 
Robert A. Dillingham, second lieutenant ; Timothy W. Terry, quarter- 
master-sergeant. 

The battery armament was four rifled six-poimders and two twelve- 
pounders, all of which were exchanged in 1862 for three-inch guns. The 
battery was one of the fighting units of the Army of the Potomac, and 
by orders from headquarters was authorized to emblazon on its flag: 
Yorktown, Hanover Court House, Mechanicsville, Gaines Mills, Malvern 
Hill, Second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, 
Rappahannock Station, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North 
Anna, Bethesda Church, Petersburgh, Weldon Railroad and Hatcher's 
Run. Mustered out June 12, 1865. 

Company I, Thirty-third Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, was 
recruited from New Bedford. Colonel A. G. Magg, commanding, was a 
New Bedford man, and the regimental band was under the leadership of 



NEW BEDFORD 197 

Israel Smith, of New Bedford. When Company I left New Bedford the 
officers were: Elisha Doane, captain; James P. Chapman, first lieuten- 
ant; Charles H. Nye, second lieutenant. After gallant service the regi- 
ment was mustered out June 11, 1865, was accorded an enthusiastic wel- 
come in Boston, and served with a collation in Faneuil Hall. 

The Thirty-eighth Regiment Massachusetts Infantry was mustered 
into the service August 12, 1862, with Colonel Timothy Ingraham and 
Lieutenant-Colonel William L. Rodman, both of New Bedford. Com- 
pany H, of this regiment, was recruited in New Bedford, and when it 
left for the front was officered by Captain Thomas R. Rodman, of New 
Bedford, and Second Lieutenant Charles C. Rowland, also a New Bed- 
ford man. The Thirty-eighth, after the completion of an enviable rec- 
ord, was mustered out at Gallup's Island, Boston, July 13, 1865. The 
Thirty-eighth fought in the battles of Bisland, Port Hudson, Cane River, 
Mausena, Opequan, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek. 

Companies E, F and G, Third Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, 
were from New Bedford. The regiment rendered three months' service 
at the beginning of the war under Colonel Wardrop, and in October, 
1862. was recruited for nine months' service under Colonel S. P. Rich- 
mond. The following New Bedford men were attached to his stai?: 
Lieutenant-Colonel James Barton ; Quartermaster Bethuel Penniman, 
Jr.; Sergeant-Major Joseph E. Nye; Quartermaster-Sergeant Theodore 
A. Barton. The officers of Company E were : John A. Hawes, cap- 
tain; William E. Mason, first lieutenant; James L. Sharp, second lieu- 
tenant; Daniel A. Butler, Joseph E. Nye, Charles L. Tobey, James C. 
Hitch, Isaac A. Jennings, sergeants; John H. M. Babcock, Francis Her- 
ley, George R. Paddock, Alexander M. Brownell, Frank H. Kempton, 
Henry H. Potter, Franklin K. S. Nye, Sylvester C. Spooner, corporals. 

Company F — George R. Hurlburt, captain; William H. (3) Allen, 
first lieutenant; Jonathan W. Davis, second lieutenant; Patrick Cana- 
van, James H. Williams, Frederick A. Plummer, Joseph C. Brotherson, 
Charles H. Walker, sergeants; Charles A. Gould, James Smith, Zacheus 
H. Wright, Andrew Dexter, John H. Ricketson, Frederick Hoflfman, C. 
W. Cleveland, Henry Kohn, corporals. 

Company D^William S. Cobb, captain; Henry W. Briggs, first 
lieutenant ; James L. Wilber, second lieutenants ; Charles West, William 
H. Chase, John W. Look, Abel Soule, Roland W. Snow, sergeants; 
Simeon Webb, Thomas H. Hammond, William G. Hammond, Andrew 
Potter, William Eldredge, John L. Flynn, George W. Perry, Ira P. 
Tripp, corporals. 

The official record of this regiment says: During the campaign the 
regiment was transported by steamers and railroad more than two thou- 
sand miles, and marched more than four hundred miles over the swampy 
roads of North Carolina, most of it being done during the most inclement 



I'jS NEW BEDFORD 

season. It bivouacked upon the ground without shelter when the water 
froze in canteens, and also marched when the thermometer averaged 107 
degrees in the shade. During a portion of the time more than two hun- 
dred men were furni.shed for extra duty as mechanics, and a number 
were detailed as overseers of "contrabands" and others. The regiment 
was mustered out at Camp Joe Hooker, near Boston, June 22, 1863. 

Company A, Forty-first Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, was 
raised in Bedford in August, 1862, and was largely composed of New 
Bedford men. On November i, 1862, the regiment was mustered into 
the service for three years, and when it left for the front Company A 
was officered by the following New Bedford men : John F. Vinal, cap- 
tain ; James W. Hervey, first lieutenant : Eliphalet H. Robbins, second 
lieutenant. 

The Forty-first was furnished cavalry equipment, May 11, 1863. and 
named the Forty-first Mounted Rifles. On June 17, 1863, by special 
order, they were created a permanent mounted regiment, and for the rest 
of its service was known as the Third Massachusetts Cavalry. From 
June 25, 1864, until February 18, 1865, they were on duty as infantry, 
returning to their cavalry organization on the last named date. In May, 
1865, the original members of the Forty-third Regiment were mustered 
out and left for home. The regiment took part in the Grand Parade at 
Washington, May 23, 1S65; performed further service at Fort Leaven- 
worth, Kansas, and Fort Kearny, Nebraska, and after a continuous serv- 
ice of thirty-five months was mustered out October 8, 1865. Major John 
F. Vinal was promoted lieutenant-colonel, September 2, 1864. On the 
regimental flag were inscribed the battles of Irish Bend, Henderson Hill, 
Cane River, Port Hudson, Sabine Cross Roads, Muddy Bayou, Snag 
Point, Bayou de Glaize, Yellow Bayou, Opequan Creek, Fisher's Hill 
and Cedar Creek. 

Company D, Forty-seventh Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, was 
recruited in the fall of 1862 for nine months' service, and was largely 
composed of New Bedford men. Austin S. Cushman was major of the 
regiment, the officers of Company D being: Captain Joseph Bent. Jr., 
First Lieutenant William H. Topham, Second Lieutenant Samuel G. 
Blaine. The regiment was mustered out September i, 1863, having 
been on special duty at New Orleans principally. 

The Fifty-fourth Regiment A'lassachusetts Infantry was the first 
regiment of colored soldiers raised in the State, and was commanded by 
Robert G. Shaw, whose memory is preserved in the beautiful monument 
on Boston Common. Company C was recruited in New Bedford, and 
forty-six men were from the city. Officers : Captain James W. Grace ; 
.Sergeants William H. W. Gray, Wesley Furlong, William H. Carney, 
Warton A. Williams, George H. Lee; Corporals James H. Buchanan, 
George Delevan, David S. Fletcher, James H. Coding, William D. Kel- 



NEW BEDFORD 199 

ley. The regiment left for the seat of war May 28, 1863, and was mus- 
tered out on Boston Common, September i, 1865. The record of the 
regiment was an honorable one, and its flag bore the names of the fol- 
lowing battles : Fort Wagner, the several engagements before Charles- 
ton, Olustee, James Island, Honey Hill and Boykin's Mills. At Fort 
Wagner, July 17, 1863, these colored men forever established the fact 
that for bravery and endurance they are the peer of any. It was during 
the assault on Fort Wagner that Sergeant William H. Carney, of New 
Bedford, seeing that the regimental color bearer was disabled, threw 
away his gun, seized the colors, made his way to the head of the charg- 
ing column, and after the charge, although twice shot, brought the colors 
hack and proudly proclaimed, "The old flag never touched the ground, 
boys !" 

Company B, of the Third Regiment Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, 
was raised in New Bedford in the spring of 1863, and with eight other 
companies was detailed for garrison duty at Massachusetts coast forts. 
This company (Sixth unattached) was officered by Captain John A. P. 
Allen, First Lieutenants T. Washburn Cook and William Cook, and 
Second Lieutenants Edwin Dews and Frederick S. Giflford. With other 
Massachusetts unattached companies it was given a regimental organi- 
zation under the name of Third Regiment of Heavy Artillery, and in the 
fall of 1864 was ordered to report at Washington for duty in the defense 
of that city, and the record reads that they "executed well the duties 
assigned them." Captain Allen was promoted major, October 13, 1864, 
and later lieutenant-colonel. He was succeeded as captain by Edwin 
Dews. T. Washburn Cook was commissioned captain and assigned to 
another company. 

Company B, Fourth Regiment Massachusetts Cavalry, v^'as largely 
composed of New Bedford men, and went to the front commanded by 
Captain George R. Hurlburt, First Lieutenant Joseph C. Brotherson and 
Second Lieutenant James E. Mulligan. Several members of Company 
K were from New Bedford, and Company M, of the same regiment, was 
in command of Captain Lucius H. Morrill, with Second Lieutenant Wil- 
liam T. Soule, both of New Bedford. The regiment performed valiant 
service and was mustered out November 14, 1865. 

The last infantry regiment mustered into the United States service 
from Massachusetts was the Fifty-eighth, the organization being com- 
pleted in April, 1864. The regiment was largely composed of men who 
had seen former service in the Civil War, and was really a regiment of 
veterans. Company E was raised in New Bedford, and left for the front 
under the command of Captain William E. Mason, First Lieutenant 
Charles A. Tobey, and Second Lieutenant Allen Almy. The regiment 
was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel John C. Whitton, with Barnabas 
Ewen, Jr., major, and Theodore A. Barton, quartermaster. Few regi- 



200 NEW BEDFORD 

ments of the Union army rendered more loyal service or suffered more 
than the Fifty-eighth. The regimental colors bear the names of many 
battles, and in many engagements the regiment lost heavily. They 
fought in the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, 
Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Poplar Spring Church. Fort Sedgwick, 
Fort Mahone. The regiment paraded in the Grand Review at Washing- 
ton, May 23, 1865, and was mustered out at Readville, Massachusetts, 
July 26. 

The Fifteenth unattached company of infantry was raised in New 
Bedford and mustered in for one hundred days' service, July 29, 1864. 
The ofificers were: Isaac C. Jennings, captain; Henry H. Potter, first 
lieutenant ; Thomas J. Gifford, second lieutenant. The company served 
in the seacoast forts of the State and elsewhere until mustered out, No- 
vember 15, 1864. 

In addition to more than furnishing its quota for the army, New 
Bedford sent about 1.336 men into the navy. The records show that 
from the very beginning enlistments were frequent, and that New Bed- 
ford men found positions either as officers, engineers or seamen on 
almost every vessel of the navy. Scores of New Bedford men are named 
as serving in the Atlantic and Gulf squadrons, with Dupont and with 
Farragut, and in every important naval battle or movement of the war. 
When the "Cumberland" was sunk in Hampton Roads, the last shot 
fired at her destroyer, the "Merrimac," was fired from her after pivot 
guns. Lieutenant William P. Randall, of New Bedford, being one of the 
officers in charge of those guns. A moment after that last shot, the 
"Cumberland" sank with her colors flying — a monument to the brave 
men who fought their guns against an impregnable floating fortress 
until the waves swept over them. 

Acting Ensign John P. Zettick, of New Bedford, went down with 
the monitor "Tecumseh" in Mobile Bay, April 5. 1864. but miraculously 
escaped drowning, being an expert swimmer. 

Among the officers of the navy who served during the Civil War 
from New Bedford were: Lieutenant Commander William P. Randall: 
Paymaster Gilbert E. Thornton: Acting Assistant Paymaster James H. 
Hathaway : Assistant Surgeon George F. Winslow ; Acting Volunteer 
Lieutenants William H. Woods, Henry Arey, I. H. Eldredge ; Gunner 
Felix Cassidy : Acting Masters Charles M. Anthony, Ezra S. Goodwin. 
Prince S. Borden, George P. Lee, Joseph A. BuUard, Henry R. Baker, 
Henry K. Lapham, Charles A. Crooker, Frederick Reed, James B. Wood, 
Jr., W. K. Tallman, Jr., Ira B. Studley, I. H. Ferney, Henry Arey. Henry 
D. Edwards ; Acting Masters Mates George P. Gifford. Henry Few. 
C. P. Purrington : Acting Ensigns Henry Hathaway, John J. P. Zettick, 
James H. Barry, William Jenney, Jere H. Bennett, Charles W. Cleve- 
land, Samuel H. Damon, Edward N. Rider, William H. Jennings, Ste- 



NEW BEDFORD 201 

phen E. Merrihew, Timothy Delano, Samuel G. Swain, James D. Bab- 
cock, James E. Carr, Ansel S. Hitch, Oscar F. Wixon, James B. Russell, 
George H. Drew, Calvin S. Wilcox, William C. Borden, John H. Cha;> 
man, William Ottawell. 

The history of the "Stone Fleet" is the subject of a separate chapter. 

Among the New Bedford men who served in an official capacity 
during the Civil War were : Brigadier-General Richard A. Pierce, on 
Governor Andrew's staff. Of the Eighteenth Regiment : Lieutenant- 
Colonel Timothy Ingraham, Lieutenant Sanford Almy, Commissary 
Sergeant William M. Ingraham, Principal Musician Cyrus A. Vaughn. 
Twenty-first Regiment : Lieutenant-Colonel Albert C. Magg, Lieuten- 
ant Freeman A. Taber. Thirty-third Regiment : Colonel Albert C. 
Magg, Captain Peleg C. Sears. Forty-fourth Regiment : Quartermas- 
ter-Sergeant Frederick S. Gifford. Fifty-fifth Regiment: Chaplain Wil- 
liam Jackson. Fifty-eighth Regiment : Quartermaster Theodore A. Bar- 
ton ; Lieutenants Freeman C. Luce, William H. Caldwell and William 
E. Mason. Sixtieth Regiment: Sergeant-Major W. H. Caldwell. Sec- 
ond Heavy Artillery : Company F, Lieutenant Roland ; Company L, 
Lieutenant Hillman. Fourth Heavy Artillery: Lieutenant-Colonel Sam- 
uel C. Hart, Chaplain Isaac H. Coe. Thirteenth Battery : Lieutenant 
Timothy W. Perry. Fourteenth Battery : Captain E. P. Nye. Sixteenth 
Battery: Captain Henry D. Scott. United States Cavalry: Captain 
Isaac C. Hart. 

New Bedford as a municipality responded nobly to every demand 
made upon her generosity and patriotism to aid in a vigorous prosecution 
of the war. On July 10, 1862, $7,500 was appropriated to establish a gen- 
eral hospital for sick and wounded soldiers, "provided the government 
should decide to locate one here." A bounty for volunteers was fixed at 
$100 for each volunteer for three years' service, and $26,000 was appro- 
priated for this purpose. On August 15 the bounty was increased to 
$250, and $20,000 set apart for its payment. On August 29, $200 was 
offered all volunteers for nine months' service, and $25,000 appropriated 
for this expense. On October 21, $5,000 additional was voted for the 
home and coast guard, and a further appropriation of $20,000 made for 
bounties, which was increased to $26,000 on December 13. During the 
four years' war the city expended $125,495.85 for the support of the 
families of volunteers, and in addition $177,000 in other ways on account 
of the war. 

The cornerstone for a monument in commemoration of her gallant 
sons was laid with impressive ceremonies July 4, 1866, and dedicated 
July 4, 1866. The monument was designed by George F. Meacham, and 
is a worthy tribute to the soldiers and sailors of New Bedford who 
oflfered their lives for their country. 

As in the Revolution and War of 1812, New Bedford suffered great 



202 NEW BEDFORD 

losses to her marine industries, and for the third time saw her vessels 
swept from the seas by enemy ships. The whaling fleet suffered heavily, 
the privateer "Alabama" in particular creating sad havoc. Of the forty- 
six vessels destroyed, twenty-five of them belonged to New Bedford. 
The estimated value of the whale ships destroyed was $1,150,000, and 
of the oil, $500,000. The value of property in New Bedford in i860 was 
$24,196,138; in 1865, $20,525,790. This decrease was largely due to the 
effect of the war upon the whaling industry. 

Scarcely were the joyous exercises over, commemorating the return 
of peace to the land, before the cruelest blow ever dealt our nation was 
dealt by one of her own sons, and by an assassin's hand fell that great 
American. Abraham Lincoln, twice President of the United States, a man 
chosen of God to lead the American people at the most critical moment 
in their history, just as surely as was Moses chosen of God to lead the 
Israelites out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. The 
tolling of bells on the morning of April 15, 1865, heralded the sad news 
to New Bedford, and grief was everywhere apparent. The City Council 
met and passed resolutions which it is believed were the first adopted 
by a municipality. On April 15, at noonday, a religious service was held 
in the North Congregational Chapel. Addresses were made by Rev. A. 
H. Quint, William J. Potter, Thomas Skinner and others, the service 
being one of deep interest and solemnity, and a fitting expression of the 
grief felt over the loss of so great and so good a man. 




CHAPTER XXIX. 
The Quarter Century Following the Civil War. 

New Bedford celebrated the two hundredth anniversary of the incor- 
poration of the town of Dartmouth on September 14, 1864, although set 
ofif from that town in 1787. Invitations had been sent out broadcast to 
the sons and daughters of Dartmouth who had left her borders, and the 
response was gratifying. The celebration began with a procession headed 
by the New Bedford Brass Band, which marched to the North Christian 
Church, where exercises of a highly interesting character held the close 
attention of a very large audience. The orator of the occasion, William 
Wallace Crapo, delivered an eloquent address, historical in character, and 
replete with valuable information. At 2 o'clock a banquet was served to 
a large company of citizens and invited guests, after which toasts were 
offered and responded to by men of State and local prominence. An 
address that he had prepared was read by James B. Congdon, addressed 
to the mayor and aldermen of the city of Dartmouth, Devonshire, Eng- 
land. After being beautifully engrossed by George B. Hathaway and 
signed by the mayor, aldermen, councilmen and clerk of the city of New 
Bedford, and by the selectmen and town clerks of the towns joining in 
the celebration, the address was mailed to its English destination. 

The first public work of importance undertaken by the municipality 
during the Civil War period was the furnishing of a supply of pure water. 
This question first came up in common council on March 8, i860, and on 
July 26. i860, a committee was appointed and $300 set aside to be used 
in their investigations. The services of Captain Charles H. Biglow, a 
United States Army engineer in charge of the construction of the fort 
upon Clark's Point, were secured to assist the city engineer. George A. 
Briggs, and William F. Durfee, in making the first surveys and measure- 
ments. The first report of the committee, made December 21, 1861, 
clearly set forth the practicability of the plan to give the city a good 
water system, and recommended the Acushnet river as the source of 
supply. Public sentiment approved the plan, and an act for supplying 
the city of New Bedford with pure water was passed by the General 
Court on April 18, 1863. The act provided for the issue of water bonds 
to the amount of $500,000, and conferred all needed authority for the 
prosecution of the work. The act was accepted by the city at an election 
held April 14, 1864, seven hundred and eighty-two votes being cast for, 
and five hundred and ninety-four against. The first board of water com- 
missioners organized December 13, 1865, with William W. Crapo, chair- 
man ; Warren Ladd, David Kempton, and James B. Congdon, clerk. A 
dam was built across the valley of the .A.cushnet, seven miles north of 



204 NEW BEDFORD 

the city : miles and miles of pipe were laid ; and during the closing weeks 
of 1869 the great undertaking was finished. The first superintendent of 
the water works was George A. Briggs, who served until 1871. 

The decline of the whaling industry, begun by the ravages of the 
Civil War and completed by the discovery of petroleum, belongs in part 
to this period, as does the quick recovery from the stunning blow, and 
the fight for life and prosperity as a manufacturing city. New Bedford 
in this transition from an industry which was her very life, and upon 
which her wealth was founded and bound up, gave evidence of the great- 
ness of her merchants, her business men and her manufacturers. First 
in the whaling industry which betrayed her, a substitute was found in 
cotton manufacturing, and the city grew to as proud a position among 
manufacturing cities. Mills began operation in various parts of the city, 
and each year saw an increase in their number. In 1870 the Wamsutta 
corporation installed in a newly-finished mill a Corliss engine, which was 
then the largest stationary engine in the world. 

In March, 1868, Charles Dickens visited the city and gave a' public 
reading from "Pickwick Papers." The New Bedford Choral Association 
was organized in April, 1869, and began rehearsals for their part in the 
great Peace Jubilee held in Boston the following June. On September 
8, 1868, a destructive southeast gale swept over the city which did a 
great deal of damage on the river and again destroyed the New Bedford 
and Fairhaven bridge. Although the damage was very great, there was 
some compensation in the fact that a result was the acquisition by the 
city of the franchise of the bridge corporation, at a cost of $20,970.31. A 
new bridge was erected, the entire cost being about $45,000, which in 
June, 1870, was completed and thrown open to the public, free of toll 
charge. 

In 1872 a public meeting was held to aid the Chicago fire sufferers, 
and within two weeks $20,000 in money and clothing had been sent to 
the stricken city. 

Street railways, operated by horse-power, were inaugurated in 1872, 
and in 1873 the New Bedford & Taunton railroad passed under the con- 
trol of the Boston, Clinton & Fitchburg Railroad Company. 

On August 31, 1874. President Grant visited New Bedford, coming 
up the bay from Nantucket on the steamer "Monohansett," Captain 
Charles H. Smith. He was given a most hearty reception, immense 
crowds lining the streets through which the Presidential party passed, 
escorted by the Bedford City Guards and the Schouler Guards. At the 
City Hall, after an address of welcome by Mayor George B. Richmond, 
briefly responded to by General Grant, a reception was held, hundreds 
of citizens were introduced, and the greatest good feeling and enthusiasm 
were displayed. A dinner was served the distinguished guests at the 
Parker House. 



NEW BEDFORD 205 

On December 31, 1874, King Kalakua, King of the Hawaiian Islands, 
visited New Bedford, accompanied by his retinue. His welcome by the 
city authorities and citizens was most cordial, and the greatest courtesy 
shown him. The royal party were entertained at the Parker House, 
were shown the wonderful manufacturing establishments of the city, and 
were entertained at a noon reception at Mayor Richmond's home, where 
about one hundred shipmasters met the King, after which, under mili- 
tary escort, the party proceeded to the City Hall, where a public recep- 
tion and banquet were given. 

Several changes in the city charter were made in 1875, changes made 
necessary by the constantly increasing importance of New Bedford as a 
manufacturing city. The Citizens' National Bank was incorporated in 
1875; the Fall River railroad was opened to travel on December 15 of 
the same year; and in the spring of 1876 the New Bedford railroad ex- 
tended its tracks to the steamboat wharf to connect with the steamship 
line to New York, which had been established in June, 1874, with the 
new steamers, "City of New Bedford" and "City of Fitchburg." 

The Fourth of July, 1876, the centennial year of American Independ- 
ence, was observed with unusual ceremonies. Congress on March 13 
passed a resolution recommending "the people of the several States to 
assemble in their counties and towns on the approaching centennial anni- 
versary of our national independence, and that they cause to have de- 
livered on that day an historic sketch of said county or town from the 
date of formation, and that copies of said sketch be filed in the clerk's 
ofifice of said county, and in the office of the librarian of Congress." In 
accordance with this resolution the city council appointed a committee 
of arrangements and made an appropriation of $4,000. The main feature 
of the day was a procession in three divisions, including the military and 
firemen of the city. Grand Army posts, disabled veterans in carriage, 
city officials. United States officers, and invited guests. At Liberty Hall 
an historical address was delivered by William W. Crapo, and which cov- 
ered the entire period from the first settlement of the town of Dartmouth 
in 1664. The eloquent peroration may well be repeated here, as its noble 
sentiments are particularly pertinent in this day of armed conflict in the 
cause of democracy against autocracy : "The memory of the heroism 
and the patriotic devotion of those who struggled for our independence, 
and of those who gallantly contended for the preservation of the National 
Union, stirs our blood and arouses our emulation. We remember the 
brave men who would not be trampled on by tyranny, and the loyal men 
who suffered to perpetuate free institutions. We cannot forget the rec- 
ord, and we ought not to forget it. It inspires us with faithfulness and 
determination to meet the needs and requirements of the coming age ; it 
stimulates us to labor strenuously for the highest welfare of our coun- 
try, believing that America holds in trust the destinies of the world. We 



2o6 NEW BEDFORD 

are descended from a noble ancestry. We are proud of their achieve- 
ments, and their history incites us to effort. Our birthright, this inherit- 
ance of the principles and sentiments which have made the Republic 
great imposes upon us grave responsibilities." 

In October, 1876, the whaling industry again received a crushing 
blow in the loss of twelve ships in the Arctic ocean. 

The years 1876 and 1877 were particularly notable in city growth 
and business development. Many new streets were opened, and the city 
was prosperous, although a period of general financial depression pre- 
vailed all over the country. 

The gale of October 12, 1878, was the severest since 1869 and caused 
much damage. The bark "Sarah" sailed that morning on a whaling 
voyage, and when about forty miles off Block Island foundered and was 
lost. 

In January, 1879, the railroad passed under the control of the Old 
Colony corporation, and in 1880 the Pairpont Manufacturing Company 
joined the Morse Twist Drill and Machine Company, the Wamsutta 
Mills, Potemska Mills, New Bedford Copper Company, and other manu- 
facturing plants, in creating a newer and better New Bedford than had 
existed under its one industry of whaling and its allied branches. In 
1881 came the telephone, introduced by the Southern Massachusetts 
Telephone Company ; and in July of the same year the New Bedford 
Cooperative Bank was added to the city's financial institutions. 

In 1882 the Acushnet Mills corporation, the Grinnell Manufacturing 
Company and the Oneko Woolen Mills Company were incorporated, and 
many important street extensions marked the year. 

In 1884 the New Bedford Manufacturing Company was incorporated, 
and the New Bedford Board of Trade organized. 

The year 1885 saw extensive street and sewer extensions. In July, 
1886, the Edison Illuminating Company located an electric plant in the 
city. In 1887 the New Bedford Safe Deposit and Trust Company was 
incorporated. The same year land was purchased upon which the city 
erected stables. 

In December, 1888, the Hathaway Manufacturing Company was 
organized; the Rowland Mills were established the same year; the City 
Manufacturing Company, organized in April, began the erection of a 
mill in December, 1S88, and the New Bedford Clearing House was 
formed September ist. 

In 1889 the Bennett Manufacturing Company was formed and on 
November 15 of the same year the Acushnet Cooperative Bank was 
organized. 

Thus the city grew, and the first quarter century after the Civil War 
closed with New Bedford in number of spindles in operation standing 
third among the manufacturing cities of the county, Fall River being 



NEW BEDFORD 207 

first, and Lowell second. In number of looms, she was fourth, Man- 
chester. New Hampshire, outranking her, with the two cities just named. 
But in quality of product, architectural design, construction and equip- 
ment, New Bedford mills then, as now, owned no superior. 

While cotton manufacturing in New Bedford began in 1846 and 1S47 
the thousands of workers in her mills, factories, trades and professions 
were particularly identified with industries pertaining to whaling and 
the demands of the merchant marine. But the period 1S65-90 reversed 
conditions and from the ruins of a structure built upon an uncertain 
foundation arose a great and stable manufacturing city. Modern ideas in 
civic government also prevailed, and a progressive American city was in 
the making. The city had grown from the village of 1790, with its 3,000 
population, to 40,000 in 1890 — a century of remarkable progress. The 
men who had borne the burden and heat of the day in the earlier history 
had passed to their reward and a new generation had arisen which in 
turn had been gathered to their fathers, and the business of the city had 
passed into the hands of sons and grandsons of the founders, while the 
advantages offered had attracted capital and strong men from outside. 

A necrological list from 1853 to 1890 includes many names well 
known and prominent in the city during their day and generation. A 
partial list includes the following: 

1853 — John Coggeshall, Job Eddy, John A. Parker, Mark B. Palmer. 

1854 — Jethro Hillman. 

1855 — Charles Grinnell. 

1857 — Joseph Congdon, John C. Haskell, Jireh Swift, Frederick Parker. 

1858 — Asa R. Nye, Paul Kempton. 

1859 — Robert Ingraham, William Hussey, Charles Haffords, Henry Sul- 

lings, John Perkins. 
i860 — Ezra S Kempton, Joseph Davis, Rev. Asa Kent, Humphrey Nye, 

Leonard Macomber, Calvin Staples. 
1861 — Charles W. Morgan, Elisha W. Kempton, Benjamin Tucker, Hay- 
den Coggeshall, James Howland, Benjamin R. Alny. 
1862 — Andrew Robeson, Job Shaw, Franklin Tobey, Stephen Taber, 

Isaac T. Taber, Henry C. Kelley, Stephen N. Potter, John 

Hunt. 
1863 — Rev. Nathan Paine, Bethuel Penniman, Ephraim Kempton, George 

M. Eddy, Henry Cannon, Benjamin Cummings. 
1864-- Captain Latham Cross, J. B. King. Robert Bennett, Nathaniel 

Perry, Clothier Pierce, Dr. Arnold Cornish, Tucker Damon, 

A. Sydney Howland. 
1865 — Cornelius Howland, George G. Chase, Philip Cannon, Edward 

Mott Robinson, Willard Nye, Southward Potter, J. H. W. 

Page, Dr. Lyman Bartlett, Thomas Bennett. 
1866 — James Cannon, Warren Delano, William Gift'ord, F.li Haskell, Rev. 

Sylvester Holmes, Timothy R. Cushman, Rev. Timothy Stowe, 

William Whippey, Joseph R. Shiverick. 
1867 — Zachariah Hillman, Rev. Benjamin Sayer, Captain Barton Ricket- 

son. Paul Ewer, William G. Gordon, Alexander Gibbs, Thomas 



2o8 NEW BEDFORD 

A. Green, Rev. John Girdwood, Benjamin B. Howard, Abra- 
ham H. Howland, Obed Sherman. 

1868 — Henry P. Willis, Joseph Wilcox, Andreas Thorup, Samuel Leon- 
ard, Rev. Wheelock Craig, Kelley S. Eldredge, George Hussy, 
Captain Arthur Cox, Philip Menage, James H. Mendall. 

1869 — Jacob L. Porter, Nathaniel Nye, Nehemiah Leonard, Lemuel Wil- 
liams, Joshua C. Stone, Captain Abraham Gardner, Francis S. 
Hathaway. 

1870 — Cephas Cobb, Rodman Howland, Borden Wood, Ezekiel Sawin. 

1871 — Jacob Parker, Gideon Richmond, Loum Snow, Pardon Tilling- 
hast, William A. Dana, Isaac Case, John Goodspeed, William 
Cranston, Abraham Barker, Ivory H. Bartlett. 

1872 — William Cummings, Nathan Durfee, George Hussey, Jr., John M. 
Hathaway, William Beetle, William T. Russell, James A. 
Tripp, William A. Robinson, Martin Pierce, Allen Lucus, 
Zenas Whittemore, James B. Wood, Benjamin Rider, Tilson 
Wood, William Penn Howland. 

1873 — Thomas B. White, Daniel Wood, Benjamin Rider, Pardon Potter, 
James Harper, Sherman White, Abraham Delano, Joseph C. 
Grinnell, Isaac D. Hall, John Briggs. 

1874 — Jabez Delano, Elijah H. Chisholm, Jonathan P. Lund, James Rider, 
Andrew (2) Robeson, Caleb T. Sullivan, Captain F. A. Stall. 

1875 — Gideon Nye, Cuffee Lawton, Caleb Anthony, James H. Collins, 
Edmund Gardner. 

1876 — Joseph Knowles, Marsena Washburn, Robert Earle, William C. 
Taber, Benjamin Rodman, Samuel Rodman, Joseph S. Till- 
inghast, Edmund Maxfield, Simpson Hart. 

1877 — Rufus Sherman, Thomas Knowles. 

1878 — Thomas S. Hathaway, Gideon Allen, David Wood, Dennis Wood, 
Obed Nye, Edward L. Baker, Charles Hitch. 

1879 — H. G. Ricketson, W. N. Reynard, Elias Sampson, Hiram Webb. 
Elisha Thornton, Jr., Samuel Watson, Joseph Brownell, Ed- 
ward W. Howland, Henry T. Leonard, David R. Greene. 

1880 — Nathan Johnson, Walter Spooner, Elisha Haskell, Charles M. 
Pierce, William N. Taylor, James B. Congdon, William G. 
Blackler, Edward C. Jones, Wright Brownell, Otis Seabury, 
Henry F. Thomas. 

1881— C. L. Wood, Rev. Moses How, W. H. Jenney, Ward M. Parker. 

1882 — Andrew Craigie, Thomas Nye, Jr., Jonathan Howland, Stephen 
G. Driscoll, Joseph Tabor, Caleb Kempton. 

1883— Henry T. Wood, Daniel Thorton, Joshua Richmond, John A. 
Hawes, William H. Ulen, Frederick P. Shaw, John H. Perry. 

1884 — Matthew Howland, James Howland, Edward Merrill, Amasa 
Whitney. 

1885 — Horatio A. Kempton, Abraham Russell, Benjamin Russell, W. A. 
Wall, Joseph Grinnell, William Hathaway, Alfred Kempton. 

1886 — Joseph C. Delano, William Phillips, W. C. Tobin, Oliver Swain, 
Benjamin Pitman. 

1887— William Tallman, Jr., A. H. Howland, Jr., Charles Taber. 

1888 — Seth A. Aiken, William Ingalls, Henry R. Wilcox, Ambrose Vin- 
cent, Cyrus W. Chapman, Alanson Williston, Niles Tilden, 
Lemuel Kollock, Dr. Charles Swasey, Timothy D. Cook, Ben- 
jamin F. Howland. 



NEW BEDFORD 209 

1889 — R. C. Topman, Rev. James D. Butler, Joseph W. Cornell, Elisha 

Dunbar, Joseph Tillinghast, David B. Wilcox, Thomas Cog- 

geshall, Henry J. Taylor. 
■1890 — Thomas Cook, Nathaniel Gilbert, Josiah Holmes, Jr., Colonel A. 

D. Hatch, Charles P. Seabury, Charles Tucker, B. F. H. Reed, 

Oliver Prescott. 




CHAPTER XXX. 
1890 to the Close of 1916. 

The greatest celebration in the city's history occurred on October 
10, II, 12, 13 and 14, 1897, when the semi-centennial of the incorporation 
of the city was carried out. The committee on the celebration was 
headed by Mayor Charles S. Ashley as chairman ; Stephen A. Brownell, 
vice-chairman ; Zephaniah W. Pease, secretary, and James L. Hathaway, 
treasurer. Upon the opening day William W. Crapo and George F. 
Tucker delivered addresses and a great chorus sang a semi-centennial 
ode. Upon succeeding days there were processions and sports. A din- 
ner was an incident at which addresses were delivered by Attorney- 
General Hosea M. Knowlton, Governor Roger Wolcott and Senator 
Henry Cabot Lodge. 

It has now been sixty-nine years since New Bedford incorporated as 
a city, with a population of about 13,000. Its population in 1890 was 
40,733, and it is now 118,158, according to the United States Census 
Bureau, and the fourth city in the State in number of inhabitants. 

The city ranks first in the United States in the manufacture of fine 
cotton goods and fine cotton yarns, and first among the fine goods mills 
in the number of spindles in operation. During 1916 the number of 
spindles increased net 244,942, the number now being 3,259,793. The 
number of looms increased 912, bringing the number now installed up 
to 54,645. The number of cotton mill employes increased 3,543, swell- 
ing the total to 35,663. The present capitalization of the Cotton Mill 
Corporation is $47,525,000, owning 67 mills. It would cost at least 
$200,000,000 more than that capitalization to build and equip the 67 mills 
at present prices. Higher wages are paid operatives in New Bedford 
cotton mills and they are kept better employed than in other cotton 
manufacturing centers. Wages were increased in 1916 by twenty-seven 
and a half per cent., making the amount paid for the year to cotton mill 
workers about $21,100,000 — about $406,800 weekly. 

The total wages paid in all industries in New Bedford aggregate 
about $40,000,000, and the raw material used costs about $80,000,000. 

The cotton mills ran to full capacity all through the year, mechanics 
and laborers were better employed than for several years, merchants 
wholesale and retail experienced a generally prosperous year, while the 
national and savings banks of the city and the trust company did the 
largest business in their history. The credit of New Bedford's cotton 
mill corporations is unsurpassed, as during the sixty-nine years they 
have been engaged in the manufacture of cotton cloths and yarns they 
have paid one hundred cents on every dollar of indebtedness and their 



NEW BEDFORD 2ii 

1916 statements show them stronger financially than ever before. Also 
their reputation for producing goods of the highest quality has been fully 
maintained. 

But there is manufacturing of many kinds conducted in the city. 
The New Bedford Cordage Co., with $400,000 capital, is a survival of 
the early days, when the outfitting of ships and the marine trade was at 
its zenith. The company was founded in 1842 by Joseph Ricketson, 
William J. Rotch and Benjamin S. Rotch, and incorporated in 1846 with 
a capital of $60,000, which was increased in 1849 to $75,000, later to 
$200,000, and still later doubled. 

Other great corporations are the Taunton & New Bedford Copper 
Co., first organized in i860 with $250,000 capital ; the Morse Twist Drill 
and Machine Co., incorporated in 1864 with $30,000, increased January 
I, 1883, to $600,000. Stephen A. Morse, the inventor of the twist drill 
manufactured by the company, began business in East Bridgewater, 
Massachusetts, and removed to New Bedford in 1865. 

The manufacture of glass was begun in New Bedford in 1861 by 
the New Bedford Glass Co. In 1869 the plant was bought by W. L. Lib- 
bey & Co., became the Mt. Washington Glass Co. in 1871, was reorgan- 
ized in 1876, and in 1894 became by consolidation a part of the Pairpont 
Manufacturing Co. 

Art manufacturing began early, the Tabers being early booksellers 
and art dealers. The firm of Charles Taber & Co. was a leader in that 
business for forty-five years. The Taber Art Co., incorporated January 
I. 1893, with a capital of $300,000, became a part of the Taber-Prang Art 
Co. in 1897, and in 1898 the business was removed to Springfield, Massa- 
chusetts. 

Shoe manufacturing has long been a city industry, the Gushing & 
Boucher and the E. E. Taylor companies being the present representa- 
tives of the business. 

Carriage building was begun a century ago by Josiah Brownell in a 
small shop on the corner of Fourth and Spring streets, became an exten- 
sive industry at one time, and yet survives. 

The demands of the seafaring men created a great demand for ship 
bread, and from 1822 until 1867, when the demand from whalers prac- 
tically ceased, its manufacture was an important item in New Bedford's 
business totals. Samuel Watson carried on for forty years the bakery 
established in 1822 by Enoch Horton, who passed it on to Watson & 
Manchester, by whom it was sold to Mr. Watson. David Snell gained 
the widest reputation as a baker, he first establishing a bakery at the 
corner of William and North Water streets in 1857. He sold out in 1859 
and at once established a patent oven and bakery, the first in New Eng- 
land, and during the Civil War operated his plant in executing large 



212 NEW BEDFORD 

contracts for furnishing supplies to the army. The Snell & Simpson 
Biscuit Co. is founded on that business. 

One of the great manufacturing and business houses of New Bed- 
ford is the Pairpont Corporation, whose capitalization has recently been 
increased to $2,000,000. This corporation was originally the Pairpont 
Manufacturing Co., organized in 1880, T. J. Pairpont, from whom the 
corporation takes its name, being the first superintendent. He resigned 
from the company in 1885 and was succeeded by Thomas A. Tripp. The 
first buildiiig was erected in 1880 and additions have been constant until 
the plant now covers an immense area. The original capital, $100,000, 
became $400,000 in July, 1887, $1,000,000 in 1896, and $2,000,000 in 1917. 
The corporation acquired the Mt. Washington Glass Co. in 1894 and 
both in New Bedford and in New York City maintain magnificent dis- 
plays of their line of manufacture in large show rooms. Their five exclu- 
sive lines there exhibited are cut glass, silver plate, electroliers, Sheffield 
reproductions and prize cups. Their products are unsurpassed for 
beauty of design and quality of workmanship, facts attested by their 
world-wide trade. 

Other large and important manufacturing corporations of the city 
are the Blackmer Cut Glass Co., capital $20,000; Continental Wood 
Screw Co., $150,000; E. E. Taylor Co., $1,000,000; George Kirby Jr. 
Paint Co., $50,000; Morse Twist Drill and Machine Co., $600,000; New 
Bedford Cordage Co., $400,000; New Bedford Gas & Edison Light Co., 
$1,590,000; Snell & Simpson Biscuit Co., $400,000; Standard Ring Trav- 
eler Co.. $20,000; Taunton-New Bedford Copper Co., $800,000; W. C. 
Jones Co., $100,000, and many others. 

All the foregoing, however, pale into insignificance in comparison 
with the immense textile manufacturing business which has won for 
New Bedford greater fame than was taken from her by the collapse of 
the whaling industry. That industry reached high-water mark in 1857, 
when the fleet consisted of three hundred and twenty-nine vessels of all 
kinds, requiring crews aggregating 10,000 men. The capital invested 
was about $12,000,000 and the value of the 1857 catch in oil and bone 
was $6,178,728. The decline may best be understood by comparing the 
fleet of 1857 with that of the present day when a few old ships and a 
dozen small craft comprise the fleet. In 1916 the value of the sperm 
oil catch by vessels owned in New Bedford was $180,000. No whale oil 
nor whale bone was taken. Whale and sperm oil is yet refined and 
sperm candles and spermaceti manufactured by the Frank L. Young Co. 

It was this great whaling industry of the years prior to 1857 which 
was the stumbling block in the way of the Wamsutta Mills, the first 
cotton factory established in New Bedford. As it is now one of the 
greatest of the city's textile plants and known wherever cotton goods 
are used, a more extended history is proper. In the fall of 1846 Joseph 



NEW BEDFORD 213 

Grinnell, then Congressman from the New Bedford district, headed a 
subscription list with $10,000 and secured for New Bedford a cotton mill 
which was intended for Georgia. A charter secured in 1846 by Abraham 
H. Rowland from the Massachusetts Legislature for a company styled 
the Wamsutta Mills was turned over to Mr. Grinnell and his associates, 
who intended to secure $300,000 capital and erect a cotton mill of 15,000 
spindles and three hundred looms. But capital was enamored with whal- 
ing investment and its sure profits and would hardly notice such a com- 
monplace suggestion as the erection of a cotton mill. So the best the 
promoters could do was $160,000, and with this they were obliged to 
start. A list of the principal stockholders follows and is a veritable roll 
of honor: Joseph Grinnell, Gideon Rowland, Sylvia Ann Rowland, 
Ward M. Parker, Thomas M. Mandell, David R. Greene, Latham Cross, 
Jireh Perry, Mathew Luce, and Thomas S. Hathaway. The first officers 
elected June 9, 1847, were: Joseph Grinnell, president; Edward L. Baker, 
treasurer and clerk ; Joseph Grinnell, David R. Greene, Joseph C. Delano, 
Thomas Mandell, Pardon Tillinghast, directors; Thomas Bennett, Jr., 
agent. Mill No. i was built to accommodate 15,000 spindles and three 
hundred looms as intended, but the company was obliged to start the 
mill with 10,000 spindles and two hundred looms. The machinery was 
started January i, 1849, all the overseers, carpenters, machinists and 
operatives being brought from Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massa- 
chusetts towns. To provide living accommodations for these, the com- 
pany was obliged to build and maintain tenements and boarding houses. 
The first product of the mill was the since famous Wamsutta sheeting. 
In 1S54 the capital was increased to $600,000, and a second mill built. 
From that time until the present expansion of plant and capital have 
been frequent, the eight mills of the company now making over two 
hundred varieties of cotton goods. Joseph Grinnell, the first president, 
died February 7, 1885, and was succeeded by Andrew G. Pierce, who 
had been treasurer for thirty years. Mr. Pierce was succeeded as presi- 
dent by William W. Crapo, and again became treasurer of the company. 
Later Edward T. Pierce acted as treasurer of the mills for a long period. 
The present treasurer is Andrew Raeburn. 

The success of the Wamsutta Mills and the gradual falling away of 
profits in whaling, induced capital to look more favorably upon cotton 
manufacturing in New Bedford. In 1871 the first of the Potomska Mills 
was built, in the south end of the city. This company was organized 
with $600,000, which has since been doubled. James Robinson, presi- 
dent, was succeeded by Edward Kilburn, he by Andrew G. Pierce, also a 
one-time president and long time treasurer of the Wamsutta Mills. With 
1881 the "boom" was ushered in. Came the Grinnell Manufacturing Co. 
in 1882, the Acushnet Mill Corporation, the Oneko Woolen Mills, the 
New Bedford Manufacturing Co., all in the same year; in 1888-89. the 



214 



NEW BEDFORD 



City Manufacturing Company, the Howland Mills Corporation, with Wil- 
liam D. Howland its first treasurer, the Hathaway Manufacturing Co., 
the Bennett Manufacturing Co., all were organized. The Bristol Manu- 
facturing, the Columbia Spinning, the Pierce Manufacturing and the 
Rotch Spinning companies all date their existence from 1892; the Whit- 
man Mill from 1895; the Dartmouth since 1896, and the others of the 
following list came in rapid succession : 




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750 
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2i6 XEW BEDFORD 

Other corporations of importance are : 

Continental Wood Screw Co.; capital, $150,000; manufacturers of 
iron and brass screws for use in wood work and of screw machinery. 

E. E. Taylor Co. ; capital $1,000,000; shoe manufacturers. 

George Kirby, Jr., Paint Co. ; capital $50,000. 

Morse Twist Drill and Machine Co.; capital, $600,000; manufac- 
turers of twist drills, chucks, gauges, mandrels, taps, dies and special 
machinery. 

New Bedford Cordage Co. ; capital, $400,000 ; manufacturers of a 
full line of manila and tarred hemp cordage. 

New Bedford Gas & Edison Light Co. ; capital, $1,590,000. 

Snell & Simpson Biscuit Co. ; capital $400,000. 

Taunton-New Bedford Copper Co.; capital, $800,000; copper and 
yellow metal rolling mills ; manufacturers of copper printing rolls for 
printing and embossing textile fabrics. 

W. C. Jones Co.; capital, $100,000; exporters and importers of cot- 
ton waste. 

Automatic Telephone Co. ; capital, $250,000. 

C. F. Wing Co. ; capital, $120,000. 

The Masonic Building Trust ; capital, $200,000. 

New Bedford & Onset Street Railway Co.; capital, $550,000. 

New Bedford Opera House Co.; capital, $100,000. 

New Bedford Storage Warehouse Co. ; capital, $270,000. 

Union Street Railway Co. ; capital, $250,000. 

New Bedford Institution for Savings; deposits, December 31, 1916, 
819,841,265. 

New Bedford Five Cents Savings Bank, $11,867,189. 

First National Bank; capital, $1,000,000. 

Mechanics' National Bank, $600,000. 

Merchants' National Bank, $1,000,000. 

New Bedford Safe Deposit and Trust Co., $200,000. 

Acushnet Cooperative Bank ; capital unlimited. 

New Bedford Cooperative Bank ; capital unlimited. 

The New Bedford, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket Steamboat Co., 
touching at Wood's Hole, Nantucket, Oak BluiTs, Edgartown and Nan- 
tucket. 

New England Steamship Co., New Bedford and New York ; freight 
all the year round ; passenger boats in summer. 

The New Bedford & Cuttyhunk Steamboat Co. ; a summer line to 
Cuttyhunk. 

The New York, New Haven & Hartford. 

A striking feature of New Bedford's prosperity in 1916 was the 
number and estimated cost of new buildings in course of erection. The 
city applied for permits to expend nearly half a million in new buildings, 
including a new fire station, a police station, municipal baths, a pumping 
station and a portable school house. Private corporations applied for 
permits to build three new cotton mills and additions to five other cotton 
mills or cotton mill storehouses. The New Bedford Gas and Electric 
Light Co. built and equipped a thoroughly modern power station at a 



NEW BEDFORD 217 

cost of a million and a half dollars, and the Morse Twist Drill and 
Machine Co. began a large addition. The Cheney building in the dry 
goods district and the Holmes coal handling plants are examples of the 
substantial buildings and extensions being erected for business purposes 
in all parts of the city. The value of new buildings for which permits 
were granted in 1915 was $3,126,734; in 1916, $4,762,081. New Bedford 
savings banks' deposits in 1916 increased $2,031,923. The New Bedford 
Institution for Savings has been in business ninety-one years, the New 
Bedford Five Cents Savings Bank for sixty-one years, and neither has 
ever delayed paying one hundred cents on the dollar to all depositors 
wishing to withdraw, nor has either failed to pay semi-annual dividends 
since the first dividend was declared. This is a record unsurpassed by 
any United States bank and equalled by few. There was distributed in 
dividend and interest in 1916 by local corporations, banks and savings 
banks, $5,596,522, an average of about six and a half per cent, on a total 
capital stock, bonds and savings banks' deposits of $87,391,275. Of this 
amount the cotton manufacturing companies paid in dividends $2,981,825. 
The Belleville Storage Co. erected during the year an enormous ware- 
house of concrete, one hundred by four hundred and eighty-two feet, 
seven stories high, with a capacity of storing 50,000 bales of cotton. 

New Bedford makes no pretentions of being a fishing centre of impor- 
tance like Gloucester or Boston, but the amount handled is not insignifi- 
cant, and the following estimates show the various kinds of fish brought 
into the New Bedford market during 1916: 

35,000 galls, scallops lbs. 315,000 

1,000 bbls. Vineyard fish lbs. 250,000 

2,000 bbls. fish from adjacent waters lbs. 500,000 

3,000 bbls. mackerel brought in and purchased lbs. 600,000 

5,000 bbls. various fish brought to city lbs. 1,250,000 

800 swordfish brought in lbs. 200,000 

Salt fish, including cod, mackerel, etc lbs. 1,050,000 

Smoked fish lbs. 210,000 

lbs. 4.375,000 

So the first decade of the twentieth century finds New Bedford a 
strong, right-living, prosperous community. One hundred and fifty 
years have passed since her history began as a definite part of the com- 
monwealth of Massachusetts, and of the old town of Dartmouth as Bed- 
ford Village ; one hundred and thirty years since becoming a separate 
town, and seventy years since becoming a chartered city. She has suf- 
fered as few cities have suffered, and triumphed as few cities have tri- 
umphed. A leader in the line of textile manufacturing, she is con- 
sidered the one city of Massachusetts that can be singled out and stated 
to be the fastest growing city in that great and prosperous common- 
wealth. There is a strength and a solidity about her institutions, civic, 
religious, educational and commercial, that satisfies, and in all that goes 
to make a modern city there is nothing lacking. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 
Banks of Old Deirtmouth. 

By Henry H. Crapo. 

It is probable that in Old Dartmouth there were a few thrifty people 
who had the possession of cash and loaned it at interest. They were 
bankers in a sense. Who they were, we cannot now determine. Such 
currency as was absolutely needed, came from without. First the cur- 
rency of the Kingdom of England, and later the "Continental money," 
and still later the paper currency issued by Boston and other New Eng- 
land private banks, authorized, but not guaranteed, by legislative sanc- 
tion. Indeed, it was not the need of banks of issue that caused the banks 
of Old Dartmouth to be established. It was for banks of discount rather 
than of issue that the demand arose. The business development of Old 
Dartmouth was purely maritime. The industry of the community and 
the savings of that industry were devoted to the building and operating 
of ships. It soon became evident that prudence required that the people 
engaged in this somewhat hazardous industry should protect themselves 
against crushing loss by a system of mutual insurance. Marine insur- 
ance companies were organized. As the maritime business increased, 
the need of financing these marine insurance companies was felt. All 
four of the original banks of Old Dartmouth were, to some extent, the 
outgrowth of the needs of marine insurance companies — not for currency, 
but for investment and credit. Groups of men especially interested as 
the managers of the several marine insurance companies, organized the 
banks to aid the insurance companies in handling their risks. 

Bedford Bank—li was in this way the first bank of Old Dartmouth 
came into existence in 1803, the Bedford Bank, affiliated with the Bed- 
ford Marine Insurance Company, legally organized a year or two later. 
Sixty thousand dollars seemed an ambitious capital, yet it was sub- 
scribed and the bank with an enlarged capital performed its functions 
until 1812, when the war with England so paralyzed all business that 
the charter, although renewed, was not accepted and the bank was liqui- 
dated. In 1816 the Bedford Bank was resurrected under the name of 
the Bedford Commercial Bank and as such existed as a Massachusetts 
State bank until 1864, when it was forced, as were all the State banks, 
to reorganize under the national bank system, taking as its name the 
National Bank of Commerce, and as such continued until 1898, when it 
was liquidated after an honorable existence of ninety-five years, dis- 
charging all its obligations and returning to the stockholders substantially 
the capital invested. 

The site and the buildings of the Bedford Bank and its successors 



NEW BEDFORD 219 

are of special interest. The first Bedford Bank lot was a part of the gar- 
den of the homestead of William Rotch, Jr. It had a frontage of thirty- 
seven feet and a depth of sixty-six feet. It was deeded by Mr. Rotch to 
the Bedford Bank, April 4, 1803. It was subject to a pass-way seven 
feet wide at its north end, subsequently released by Mr. Rotch in 1835. 
Daniel Ricketson, in his invaluable history of New Bedford, has told the 
story of the Bedford Bank, but unfortunately was unable to find the 
records of the bank. And, yet, by a singular chance of good fortune, the 
old records were finally found, and the tattered, mouldy, stained and 
decrepit book of the old Bedford Bank was given the Old Dartmouth 
Historical Society with the consent of James M. Tallman and of the 
directors of the Mechanics' Bank, in whose unconscious possession for 
some unknown reason it was found. 

The charter of the bank, extended in the record, was adopted by the 
Legislature of Massachusetts and approved by the Governor, Caleb 
Strong, on March 7, 1803. It is a most elaborate act of incorporation, 
containing provisions afterwards embodied in dififerent forms in the gen- 
eral banking laws. William Rotch, Jr., Samuel Rodman and Edward 
Pope are named as incorporators. The charter was to determine on the 
first Monday of October, 1812. The capital, to be paid in gold or silver, 
was $60,000. The circulation was limited to twice the capital. The loan- 
ing capacity was likewise limited to twice the capital. The directors 
were fixed at seven. The bank was subject to examination by a commit- 
tee of the Legislature appointed for the purpose. Every six months the 
bank was required to report its condition to the Governor and Council. 
The Commonwealth could, if it was so voted by the Legislature, take 
an additional $30,000 in the stock of the enterprise. No stockholder 
could have more than ten votes, no matter how much stock he owned. 
The twelfth section seems very modern in spirit. It reads : "And be it 
further enacted that one-eighth part of the whole stock or fund of said 
Bank shall always be appropriated to loans to be made to Citizens of this 
Commonwealth, and wherein the Directors shall exclusively regard the 
Agricultural interest, which loans shall be made in sums not less than 
100 dollars nor more than 500 dollars, and upon the personal bond of the 
borrower, with collateral security by sufficient mortgage of real estate 
for a term not less than one year." In 1804 the bank was authorized by 
the Legislature to increase its capital to $150,000. 

The directors elected were Thomas Hazard, Jr., John Howland, 
Isaac Sherman, Cornelius Grinnell, Seth Russell, Jr., Isaac Howland, Jr., 
and Samuel Rodman. At their first meeting, April 30, 1803, they elected 
John Pickens cashier at a salary of four hundred and fifty dollars a year, 
which in view of the fact that the bank was to be open for business every 
week day, both morning and afternoon, does not seem a princely salary 
even in those days. At the second meeting, May 21, 1803, Thomas Haz- 



220 NEW BEDFORD 

ard, Jr., was elected president without salary. However, in 1805 the 
stockholders "voted to the president for his services in signing bills, etc., 
one hundred dollars to be given in plate," and Seth Russell was appointed 
by the directors to procure the "plate." This appears to be the only com- 
pensation which Mr. Hazard received for his devoted service to the bank, 
which during the last year of its existence and its liquidation must have 
been taxing. In addition to signing the bills, which were constantly 
being renewed, Mr. Hazard kept the records. That he performed that 
duty excellently, we have the evidence. 

The third and sixth days in each week were "discount days," and 
the directors met at 8:00 a. m. It was provided that "all notes presented 
for discount shall have one or more good endorsers, one of which en- 
dorsers must live within four miles of the bank." "Two directors object- 
ing to the discount of a note or bill, it shall not pass and no question 
shall be asked on the subject by any of the other directors." The dis- 
count sheets were not large. Sometimes they amounted to $30,000 or 
even $40,000, sometimes only to $50, sometimes no paper was presented. 
It would be interesting to know what was the gossip discussed at these 
meetings. Towards the last of the bank's history, the war was coming 
on and inasmuch as there was always one director from across the river, 
representing the Corsicans, there may have been some heated arguments. 
Noah Stoddard was elected as the Fairhaven director in 1804. One is 
led to wonder whether his failure to be reelected was in any way due to 
this entry: "1805, 8 mo. 2. It is likewise at this time agreed that the 
director of this bank from the other side of the river for the time past 
and in future have his toll at the bridge paid by the bank." Possibly 
John Delano, who succeeded him at the next election, was willing to pay 
his own toll. 

William C. Stoddard by no means, as yet, one of the "oldest inhabit- 
ants" of Fairhaven, remembers seeing his grandfather Noah sitting in 
his arm chair in the old house where now is located the Fairhaven Bank, 
and being impressed with the fact that he was in the presence of a sol- 
dier who fought at Bunker Hill. 

It was not always the vexing question of credits which engaged the 
serious consideration of the directors. For instance in 1804 they dealt 
with the question of what was to be done with the stone which belonged 
to the bank, excavated from the hillside in order to make the cellar of 
the bank building. It was concluded to let Simpson Hart sell it at public 
auction. Occasionally the cashier's "wood account" was examined and 
allowed. The wood was for burning in the open fireplaces of the bank- 
ing room. In July, 1804, the working force of the bank was augmented. 
"It was this day agreed that Samuel Hazard be employed to carry the 
notices to the signers and endorsers of notes, the time of which may have 
expired and to file the bills that may be signed during the time he is 



NEW BEDFORD 221 

employed, and to do occasional business of the bank that he may be 
capable of to the assistance of the cashier, for which one hundred dollars 
per annum is allowed." Sam was the president's son. He afterwards 
married Rebecca Pease, of Philadelphia, and lived on Franklin street, in 
New York. 

The dividends declared varied from two per cent, to eleven and a 
half per cent, per annum, and in later days nothing. Occasionally the 
directors ordered all debtors of the bank without exception to pay up by 
the first of the next month, ten per cent, of their loans. One wonders 
whether they all did pay up. When the bank was short of hard money 
they informed the makers of "specie notes" to pay up, "as the renewal 
will be inconvenient." On February 15, 1805, Seth Russell was sent "at 
the expense of this institution," presumably by sloop, to the nearest 
metropolis — Nantucket — "to get specie for the money we hold of their 
banks and to hire five or six thousand dollars of specie on our account." 
In 1806 "it is agreed and made a rule of this bank that all specie deposited 
and entered on the books of the bank becomes the property of the bank 
and the depositor ceases to have any leene or claim upon it." 

The business troubles of Henry Huttlestone and others occupy 
much space in the records. It is rather interesting to note that John 
Avery Parker, subsequently the multi-millionaire of the town, was 
obliged in 1808 not only to transfer "his shares in the Marine Insurance 
Company," but "likewise a conveyance of his house and lot." Not infre- 
quently William Rotch, Jr., was directed to send some of the bills receiv- 
able of the bank to New York "to the credit of J. Pickens, Cash." Nan- 
tucket and New York and Philadelphia seem to have been financial cen- 
tres of more importance to the Bedford Bank than Boston. In 1809, 
however, the directors ordered "that the Cashier do not receive as a de- 
posit, nor in any way negotiate, the bills of any bank without this state, 
except the Bank of the United States, from and after the last day of this 
month, of which the Cashier is directed to take particular notice and 
govern himself accordingly." In 1810 the directors felt moved to adopt 
this good resolution : "It is now agreed by the directors irrevocably that 
no note signed by any person who has not paid up all interest or dis- 
counts on their business or accommodation notes previously passed at 
this bank, shall be passed or discounted until all previous discounts are 
paid and their old notes taken up." 

In the usual form the transactions of the board at its meeting 1810, 
II mo. 2, were entered by Thomas Hazard, Jr., as follows: "Discounted 
notes and drafts to the amount of Seventeen Thousand Nine Hundred 
and Thirty Dollars and a mortgage for Five Hundred Dollars. Present, 
John Howland, Wm. Rotch, Jr., Samuel Rodman, Isaac Howland, Jr., 
Seth Russell, Jr. (Signed) Thomas Hazard, Jr." 

Below this entry in a different handwriting is the following: "I was 



222 NEW BEDFORD 

not present when the business of the above mortgage was concluded on 
and the money was paid. John Rowland." Evidently John Howland 
did not approve of that credit. 

The records make constant reference to the printing, signing and 
burning of the bills of the bank. John Maybin, of Philadelphia, on July 
II, 1803, "shipt per sloop Eliza C, Norton, Mast'r. for New Bedford per 
order Mr. Samuel Rodman, and for the Bedford Bank i box containing 
5670 sheets of paper. * * * i box containing a bank mold. * * * 58 
water mark letters. * * * $152.13." This paper was kept by the bank 
and sent from time to time to Sam'l Hill, engraver, of Boston, who 
presumably held the "mold." For instance, "1803, 8 m. 30. This day 
delivered Andrew Swain Two Hundred sheets of our NEW paper to be 
struck ofif in Boston by S. Hill engraver." '"9 mo. 6. Received the above 
mentioned two hundred sheets from Boston, one hundred and ninety- 
nine and a half of which were impressed with twenty-seven thousand 
seven hundred and thirty-five dollars, the remaining half sheet was re- 
turned torn from Boston and burned by the Directors. The above paper 
were struck with the following bills, viz. : 

199 bills of $5 $Q9S 

199 do do $10 1,990 

199 do do $20 3,980 

199 do do $30 5,970 

200 do do $7 1,400 

200 do do $8 1,600 

200 do do $9 1,800 

200 do do $50 10,000 

$27,735 

The Cashier is directed to make the above bills payable to E. Pope." 
Abraham Sherman seems to have been the favorite messenger to take the 
"sheets" to Boston for Sam Hill to engrave. Sometimes the errand 
was performed by Stephen Hathaway, Cornelius Grinnell, or Seth Rus- 
sell, Jr. 

In 1812 the Bedford Bank ceased issuing bills, and made no further 
new loans. For several years the bank was obliged to "renew" old loans. 
The last entry on the last page in the old book, which I was so fortunate 
to discover, is as follows: "1813, 3 mo. 9th. Renewed notes amounting 
to thirteen thousand nine hundred and five dollars. Present, John How- 
land, Isaac Howland, Jr., Thomas Hazard, Jr., Wm. Rotch, Jr. De- 
stroyed by burning twelve thousand dollars of bank bills." 

Mr. Ricketson's minute description of the original bank building is 
vivid and picturesque, controlled by a sense of literary art which is 
worthy of his associations with Brook Farm and the men and women 
who, more than all others, were the nucleus of what we may call "Ameri- 
can literature." Mr. Ricketson's delightful account of the Bedford Bank 



NEW BEDFORD 223 

includes a description of the building, the quaintness of the structure, the 
ingenuity of the secret device for protecting the currency in the closed 
vault of the cellar, and the word picture of the quaint methods and per- 
sonalities which distinguished it. "Behind the front counter, and opposite 
the entrance door, was the fireplace of wood, which in earlier days and 
up to 1826 was the only method of warming the room, and on cold days 
of winter, a cheerful fire was to be seen within it. sputtering and singing 
away to the chime of the jingling gold and silver." 

In 1833 the old building so minutely and graphically described by 
Mr. Ricketson was demolished and a new building of much more com- 
monplace construction was erected. The second bank edifice on thi.s site 
was a three-story brick building, the upper story rather low in the stud, 
not dissimilar to the building at present adjacent to the south. On the 
north side of the middle entrance way was the Bedford Commercial 
Bank, by no means so spaciously housed as in its earlier days. On the 
south side of the entrance was the ofifice of the Bedford Commercial In- 
surance Company, which in 1821 succeeded the Bedford Marine Insur- 
ance Company and which continued to do business here until about 
1852. In the later days of its existence, Henry H. Crapo was the secre- 
tary of the Bedford Commercial Insurance Company. His successor 
was William W. Crapo, who was about twenty-two years old and was 
studying law in the office of Mr. Clififord in the second story. He was 
employed to liquidate the company, which was finally accomplished 
about 1859. The successor of the Bedford Commercial Insurance Com- 
pany was the Commercial Mutual Insurance Company, of which William 
T. Russell was secretary. The south rooms on the first floor were occu- 
pied by the insurance companv until the building was demolished in 
1883. 

The rooms over the bank were the law offices of Coffin & Colby, 
later Clififord & Brigham. The front room on the south side of the 
second story was the "Merchants.' Reading Room." In the middle of the 
room was a high stand-up desk, where lists of the reports and arrivals 
of ships, the amount of oil, and other news connected with the whale 
fishery were daily consulted by the merchants. At the sides of the room 
were slanting racks which contained the local newspapers of Nantucket, 
Newport, New London and one or two from far away Boston and New 
York and London. When the wooden building opposite the custom 
house, now occupied by "The Mercury," was built, the merchants' read- 
ing room moved thither to quarters on the ground floor. Walter Mitchell 
then occupied the room for a year or so, and becoming discouraged in 
the practice of law, in 1855 he disposed of the room and its small law 
library to William W. Crapo, then twenty-five years old. 

The back room on the south side of the second story was the edi- 
torial office of "The Mercury," presided over by Benjamin Lindsey, 



224 NEW BEDFORD 

whose brother, Henry Lindsay, printed the newspaper in the third floor 
of the building. When "The Mercury" office was removed to the corner 
of Union and Second streets, about 1859, Mr. Crapo took the rear room 
which he personally occupied. Joshua C. Stone, George Marston, Wen- 
dell H. Cobb, Charles W. Clififord, Walter Clifford, and Frederick S. 
Bartlett, who were associated with Mr. Crapo in the practice of law, in 
time occupied all of the second floor and flowed over into the next build- 
ing south. 

In 1883 the National Bank of Commerce decided to build a new 
banking edifice on the old site. 

In 1871 it had purchased a lot from the Rotch heirs extending west- 
ward from the old lot to Bethel street, a frontage of thirty-seven feet, ten 
inches. In 1872 it had purchased of the Rotch heirs a lot to the north on 
Water street with a frontage of twenty-five feet. On this lot stood the 
quaint porticoed building occupied after 1863 by the Ocean Mutual In- 
surance Company of which the presiding genius was William H. Taylor. 
Samuel H. Cook was his clerk. In 1885 the bank purchased of Temple 
S. Corson, a strip eight feet wide to the west of the last named lot. These 
purchases represent the real estate holdings of this society prior to the 
addition of the Bourne Memorial. 

During the construction of its new building the National Bank of 
Commerce transacted its business in quarters furnished by Sanford & 
Kelley, brokers, who occupied a part of the property now used by Wood, 
Brightman & Company. 

When the new bank building was finished in 1884, it presented the 
same appearance as it does to-day. Practically the only change is the 
removal of the counter and screens from the room. The edifice was by 
far the most elaborate and splendid home to which any New Bedford 
bank had ever aspired. Its carved mahogany and its marble floors were 
deemed the limit of extravagant investment of stockholders' money for 
luxurious business. 

On the north side of the entrance hall in the new bank building, where 
the whaling trophies have since been kept, the traditional business of in- 
surance was carried on, no longer marine, for the most part, but fire. Here 
Samuel H. Cook, on the very spot where he had worked for the Ocean 
Mutual, had his insurance office so long as the bank continued to use 
the building. 

To the second story the same lawyers returned, Mr. Crapo again 
taking up his seat near the window looking down Centre street, where 
for nearly half a century he had looked at Crow Island with the ambi- 
tious dream, never realized, of owning it as the one familiar thing which 
had never changed in his ever-changing environment. The law firm of 
Crapo, Clifford & Clifford occupied the south rooms, and the firm of 
Marston & Cobb the north rooms. 



NEW BEDFORD 225 

For nearly a century until about 1890, Water street between Union 
street and William street was the Wall street of New Bedford. Prac- 
tically all the banks, insurance offices, brokers' offices, lawyers' offices 
and telegraph offices were concentrated within these limits. It was the 
Merchants' Bank, with its usual keen anticipation of events, which defi- 
nitely determined that westward the course of empire must take its way. 
The exodus was startlingly complete. It was like the traditional aban- 
donment of a sinking ship by rats. Judge Prescott was the only lawyer 
who played the part of Casablanca. This sudden turn of affairs was 
peculiarly unfortunate for the Commercial Bank, forced to leave all- 
sufficient quarters, and in November, 1895, take up a much less com- 
modious shop on Cheapside. The lawyers who had always been super- 
imposed on the bank, by force of habit took up their accustomed position 
directly above the bank in its new location. In 1898 the bank was liqui- 
dated and its quarters, after some years as a brokerage office, are now a 
part of Steiger & Dudgeon's dry goods emporium. 

After the Bank of Commerce abandoned its home, the building was 
vacant for a while. In 1899 't was purchased and occupied as an office 
by the New England Cotton Yarn Company. In 1906, through the gen- 
erosity of Henry H. Rogers, the property was conveyed to the Old Dart- 
mouth Historical Society, which now presides over the old Wall street 
of New Bedford, having, as seems fitting, for its neighbors' several junk 
shops, and somewhere in the second story of an abandoned bank build- 
ing, there is an Art Club. 

Thomas Hazard, the president of the Bedford Bank, was one of the 
innumerable Tom Hazards of Narragansett. There were also College 
Tom, and Nailor Tom, and Fiddle-head Tom, and many others, so it is 
not strange that the president of the first bank in Bedford was called 
"Bedford Tom." He was born in Kingston in 1758 and lived his early 
life in Cranston. When he was thirty-one years old, in 1789, he came 
to New Bedford. He had married Anna Rodman, of Newport, a cousin 
of our Samuel Rodman, Sr., or "Old Sammy" as he was usually known 
on Water street. Anna Rodman was reputed to be a very beautiful 
"Young Friend," much admired by the English officers in Newport, to 
her mother's great distress. He built a fine mansion at the southwest 
corner of what is now Elm street and Water street, next to her Cousm 
Samuel's. This house is probably embodied in a much altered form in 
the structure now at this corner. In front of the house was Mr. Haz- 
ard's wharf, where now the big new warehouse stands. Thomas Hazard 
was very successful in his whaling ventures, acting in concert with Sam- 
uel Rodman and William Rotch. He was active in civic affairs, being 
the postmaster of New Bedford at one time, and a member of the State 
Senate. When the War of 1812 practically annihilated the whaling 

N B-15 



226 NEW BEDFORD 

industry of New Bedford, and the old Bedford Bank, of which he was 
the president, was obliged to close up its affairs, he removed to New 
York and was there actively and successful engaged as a merchant for 
the rest of his life. He died in his handsome house on Beekman street, 
near St. George's Church, in 182S. His widow Anna survived him until 
1845. His daughter Elizabeth married Jacob Barker, of Philadelphia, 
one of the great financiers of this country. Another daughter, Sarah, 
was an exceptionally interesting woman. .\s a child she lived with her 
Grandmother Rodman, in Newport. She married John H. Howland, of 
Dartmouth, who removed to New York in iSio and formed a partner- 
ship with his nephew, Joseph Grinnell. He was a very successful mer- 
chant and a public-spirited man. In fact, the descendants of "Bedford 
Tom" were in no way inferior to the legion of Hazard descendants who 
played so large a part in the industrial and civic history of Rhode Island. 

One of the original directors of the Bedford Bank was John How- 
land, born in 1742. He was the master of one of the first whalers which 
sailed from Old Dartmouth in 1760. He was afterwards the owner of 
the ship "Fame." His shrewd business habits caused him to be made 
the agent of many vessels. He was considered one of the richest men 
of his day. William Rotch, to be sure, was looked upon as a millionaire, 
but "John Howland had the most ready money." He lived on Water 
street, just south of School street. The building still stands. He was 
interested in all town affairs and helpful in the transaction of the public 
business. He died in 1828. His two sons, John and James Howland, 
were prominent merchants of the next generation. 

Among the original directors of the Bedford Bank, and of the Bed- 
ford Commercial Bank, was Captain Cornelius Grinnell. He served for 
twenty-six years, until 1831. He died in 1850, aged ninety-eight years. 
Captain Cornelius was not a whaling captain. He was in the merchant 
packet service. An advertisement in the "Medley" in 1792 states that 
he is about to sail for Havre de Grace. Mr. Ricketson gives a delightful 
picture of Captain Cornelius Grinnell both as a young man and as one 
of the worthies of New Bedford : "A gentleman of the old school, hos- 
pitable, urbane, a man of sound judgment and unswerving integrity of 
character." Mr. Crapo's only recollection of Captain Cornelius Grinnell 
is seeing him going into the fashionable barber shop on the north side 
of Union street, between Johnny Cake Hill and Water street. Mr. Crapo 
remembers his brass-buttoned long coat over tight fitting short breeches 
with silver knee buckles and shining top boots, his hair long and tied 
behind with ribbon. This was a much more modern and sober costume 
than he wore when his portrait was painted in Havre de Grace in 1792: 
"Sky blue colored coat, buf¥ waistcoat, white cravat, ruffled shirt and 
wristbands and hair powdered." It is curious that Mr. Crapo's only 
recollection of Captain Grinnell was as he entered a barber shop. Mr 



NEW BEDFORD 227 

Ricketson facetiously describes another barber shop experience of the 
captain in France fifty years earlier. There can be no question that Cap- 
tain Cornelius Grinnell was one of the most progressive and broad- 
minded merchants of Old Dartmouth, a man held in the very highest 
respect as a citizen. There can also be no doubt that he was always well 
groomed. 

George Howland was the first president of the Bedford Commercial 
Bank, being thirty-five years old when elected and served in that office 
thirty-six years, until his death. When sixteen years old George How- 
land left his father's farm and entered the counting room of William 
Rotch. He became one of the most successful and wealthy merchants 
of his day. His own counting room was at the foot of North street. Mrs. 
Mary Jane Taber has contributed to the Historical Society many inter- 
esting anecdotes of Mr. Howland and his family. 

Another Howland family was well represented in the Bedford Com- 
mercial Bank directorate — Isaac and Gideon Howland and later Edward 
Mott Robinson, the second president of the bank. The other directors 
of the Bedford Commercial Bank included most of the preeminently im- 
portant merchants of the earlier days. The Rotch, Rodman, Grinnell, 
Nye, Howland and Hathaway families were well represented and many 
of the descendants of the earlier directors, no longer for the most part 
the preeminently leading merchants of the community, were connected 
with the bank until its liquidation in 1898. 

John Pickens was the cashier of the Bedford Bank. He was born in 
1743 and served as an officer in the Revolutionary army. Daniel Ricket- 
son describes John Pickens as follows : "Behind the desk, upon the left 
hand of the banking room, might usually be seen busily employed in 
writing, a tall and elderly gentleman, his cropped gray hair brushed back 
from his forehead, with a white neck cloth closely drawn about his throat, 
a pepper and salt colored suit, the coat long-skirted, with large pockets 
on the side, one row of buttons, and of Quaker curve, but with a collar 
and small clothes with knee buckles, which, with the style of shoes worn 
by the older men of that day, complete the personal appearance of the 
venerable and worthy cashier of the old Bedford bank, John Pickens, 
esquire." He died July 31, 1825, aged eighty-two years, and lies buried 
in the old graveyard at Acushnet Village. A pen and ink portrait of Mr. 
Pickens by Daniel Ricketson is in possession of the Historical Society. 
Joseph Ricketson was the first cashier of the Bedford Commercial Bank, 
serving from 1816 to 1834. Daniel Ricketson also describes Joseph Ricket- 
son. who was his father, with filial pride. James H. Crocker succeeded 
Mr. Ricketson, serving four years. 

Thomas B. White acted as the next cashier, serving for thirty-five 
years. Mr. White came from Newburyport. He was a large, heavy man, 
slow of motion, and ponderously methodical. He was a lover and a 



228 NEW BEDFORD 

teacher of music, and organized a chorus which gave public concerts. 
He had as his clerk and understudy Benjamin F. Coombs, who succeeded 
him as cashier in 1873. Mr. Coombs was the antithesis of Mr. White. 
He was a slight, nervous man, who chewed tobacco continuously. He 
used to practice pistol shooting in the cellar of the bank after hours. He 
was able to add up two columns of figures of a long depositor's ledger 
with amazing celerity and absolute accuracy. 

In the earlier days of banking in New Bedford, until the latter part 
of the last century, the cashiers of the banks were called on for little 
more than clerical duties. No personal or commercial paper was ever 
discounted until solemnly scrutinized and passed upon by the deliberate 
vote of the board of directors. All questions of credit and all questions 
of financial policy were determined solely by the president and board of 
directors. Save for the safe-guarding of the money and securities of the 
bank, and the keeping of accurate accounts of its transactions, the re- 
sponsibility and the initiative of a cashier was usually slight. 

In 1876 James H. Tallman became cashier under the more modern 
methods by which the cashier was in effect the executive head of the 
bank. Mr. Tallman in 1864 was in Mr. Crapo's law office. In 1865 and 
1S66 he was clerk in the Mechanics' Bank. In 1867 he entered the 
employ of the Bank of Commerce and continued in its service for thirty- 
one years, during twenty-two of which he was the cashier. 

Merchants' Bank — The Merchants' Bank, affiliated with and inspired 
by the Merchants' Insurance Company, came into existence in 1825. It 
renewed its State charter in 1831, and with the ever-changing conditions 
of bank existence, the varying laws of regulation, the State and National 
requirements, the complete change in the nature of the business of the 
community, it attained and has maintained its position as the most influ- 
ential bank in the community. 

The early directors of the Merchants' Bank were all leading and 
active merchants of New Bedford, more exclusively so than was the case 
of the other banks. The Bedford Commercial and the Fairhaven Bank 
and the Marine Bank had among their directors retired merchants, men 
of landed estates, and men of comparative leisure. The Mechanics' Bank 
had representatives of the mechanics and humbler shop-keepers. 

The first president and guiding spirit of the Merchants' Bank was 
John Avery Parker, who had been on the directorate of the Bedford Com- 
mercial Bank since its origin in 1816. He became president of the Mer- 
chants' Bank in 1825, continuing as such for twenty-eight years, until 
his death in 1853. Mr. Parker was born in 1769 in Plympton, Massachu- 
setts, and during his early life kept a store in Westport, and there 
engaged in building ships. In 1803 he moved to New Bedford. He first 
lived at the corner of Bridge street and Water street. Later he built the 
large wooden porticoed dwelling on Purchase street, between Elm and 



NEW BEDFORD 229 

Middle, which for eighty years and more has been the hotel of the town. 
John Avery Parker found it too old-fashioned and inconvenient in 1834 
and built the splendid granite mansion on County street, near the Com- 
mon, which was one of the principal show places of the city, now unfor- 
tunately demolished. Mr. Parker's counting room and warehouse, built 
in 1833, was at the corner of Bridge and Front streets, and his wharf was 
directly in front, where now the street railway power station smokes. 
John Avery Parker was an "all around" merchant, not confining his 
activities to the whaling industry, but interested also in cotton mills and 
iron foundries and various enterprises. His intelligent energy as a busi- 
ness man made him by far the wealthiest merchant of his day. He was 
also an active citizen. He was captain of a volunteer militia company 
in 1814, when the "Nimrod" was menacing our shores. He was a fire 
warden. As chairman of a self-appointed school committee he was in- 
strumental in establishing the first free school in New Bedford which 
was not a pauper school. In all the larger enterprises of the community, 
such as the construction of a railroad to Taunton and the inauguration 
of manufacturing industries, Mr. Parker was a leader. His financial sup- 
port was important, yet his personality was even more important. 

Associated with Mr. Parker in the bank was James B. Congdon, who 
acted as cashier from the start until 1857, a term of thirty-two years. 
James B. Congdon is perhaps the most interesting personality connected 
with the history of the banks of New Bedford. He was dynamic. His 
restless, active mind seemed to know no limitations. He not only was 
more keenly alive to the phases of banking as a science than the cashiers 
of other banks, his contemporaries, but he practically governed the whole 
community as chairman of the board of selectmen from 1834 until the 
town became a city in 1847. He drafted the city charter, and wrote most 
of the ordinances which were adopted during his connection with the 
municipal government. From 1858 to 1879 he was the city treasurer and 
collector of taxes. He was the main inspiration of the public library, and 
served as secretary of the board of trustees of the library for more than 
thirty years. Indeed there was no interest of the community to which 
he did not give unselfish devotion. He was a profuse writer. He wrote 
always with an enthusiastic and glowing style monographs on banking, 
essays on literary subjects, dedicatory addresses, historical papers, 
poetry : everything was food for his pen. He not only wrote with facility, 
but he read with ardor. His love of books was a passion. 

At a dinner held a year or so ago, at which the bankers of New Bed- 
ford of to-day were present, W. W. Crapo told a story which illustrates 
the difference in temperament between Mr. Parker and Mr. Congdon, a 
difference which perhaps made them so admirable a team in their work 
for the Merchants' Bank. For some reason the bank was pinched ; possi- 
bly it was short of funds to redeem its bills in Boston. Whatever the 



230 NEW BEDFORD 

reason, it was necessary for Mr. Parker and Mr. Congdon to make a 
journey to Boston to borrow money of the Suffolk Bank to make good. 
They went by horse and chaise and reached Bridgewater at dusk, where 
they spent the night. They slept in the same room. Mr. Congdon after- 
ward told of his extreme irritation at the insensate conduct of Mr. 
Parker, who promptly went to sleep and snored, while Mr. Congdon was 
so worried about the situation, wondering whether the loan could be 
effected, that he tossed sleeplessly all night. It is needless to say that 
Mr. Parker had vastly more at stake. Mr. Congdon, indeed, was ever 
too busy a man working for others to acquire financial means of his own. 
The next day the loan was easily arranged, Mr. Parker very likely giving 
his personal obligation, and the two men returned by horse and chaise 
to New Bedford, Mr. Congdon relieved at the happy escape from diffi- 
culty for the bank, but still provoked with Mr. Parker for his apparent 
unconcern. 

Mr. Crapo as a boy was closely associated with Mr. Congdon in the 
town office at the top of the old town hall, now the public library. Their 
friendship was unabated so long as Mr. Congdon lived. As a boy Mr. 
Crapo remembers often seeing Mr. Congdon coming up the hill of Wil- 
liam street swinging the enormous metal key of the bank vault. His 
portrait in the public library portrays him well. 

Charles R. Tucker, one of the enterprising and successful whaling 
merchants of his day, and a prominent member of the Society of Friends, 
succeeded Mr. Parker as the president of the Merchants' Bank, and 
served as such for twenty-two years, being succeeded by Jonathan 
Bourne, another most successful whaling merchant. Peleg C. Rowland 
succeeded Mr. Congdon as cashier in 1858 and served until his death m 
1885, a service of twenty-seven- years, being succeeded by Henry C. W. 
Mosher. During the first seventy-four years of the bank's history there 
were but three cashiers. 

The Fairhavcn Bank — In March, 183 1, the Fairhaven Insurance Com- 
pany and the Fairhaven Bank were chartered by the State, naming as 
corporators the same group of Fairhaven whaling merchants. Both the 
bank and the insurance company had capitals of $100,000; the bank capi- 
tal was increased in 1836 to $200,000. At the present time the capital is 
$120,000. When this bank and marine insurance company were organ- 
ized, Fairhaven was almost as largely interested in whaling ventures as 
the village across the river and the same motives and considerations of 
business needs caused the merchants to establish these mutually service- 
able agencies. 

The original meeting of the subscribers of the capital stock of the 
bank was held at Wing's Hotel on April 19, 1831, the call being signed 
by Warren Delano. Ezekiel Sawin was chairman of the meeting, and 
Benjamin Rodman, who had interests in Fairhaven, was chosen secre- 



NEW BEDFORD 231 

tary. In May, 1831, Noah Stoddard conveyed to the president, directors 
and company of the Fairhaven Bank a lot of land on the south side of 
Centre street, west of his dwelling house, with a frontage of thirty feet 
and a depth of fifty-four feet. The dwelling house of John Delano was 
to the west. Here the charming building now occupied by the Savings 
Bank was built and the Fairhaven Bank did its business here on the first 
floor for forty-five years, the Marine Insurance Company having its office 
in the second story. In 1876 the National Bank of Fairhaven, the suc- 
cessor of the Fairhaven Bank in 1864, purchased of the estate of Horatio 
W. Richmond the land and buildings next east of the old bank house at 
the corner of Centre and Main streets, adding a strip on Main street pur- 
chased from Abner C. Fish. Horatio W. Richmond a few years before 
had erected the building for use as his apothecary shop with his dwelling 
in the stories above. The bank fitted up the apothecary shop for a bank- 
ing room and has occupied it as such for forty-one years to the present 
time. 

At the time when the whaling industry ceased to be profitable, many 
of the whaling merchants in Fairhaven were sorely smitten and the bank, 
of course, sustained severe losses, yet it was able to adjust itself to the 
new condition and has since gradually attained a position of prosperous 
stability. It now has resources of about $500,000. 

Ezekiel Sawin was the first president of the Fairhaven Bank, serv- 
ing thirty-one years. He was a whaling merchant and carried on a ship 
chandlery business on Water street. The building, with its delightfully 
constructed observation cupola, now stands deserted. Back of the shop, 
near the river, was a sawmill, where ship timbers were sawn. The loca- 
tion was north of Union Wharf. At Sawin's shop practically all the 
Fairhaven whale ships were supplied with fittings. Mr. Sawin was not a 
man of much wealth, but he was distinctly a leader in the community, 
always ready to tackle any problem of ])ublic interest. He seemed to be 
the natural head of anything that was doing in Fairhaven in his day. 
When the crash in the whaling business came and Fairhaven was laid 
low, Mr. Sawin was seriously affected, but it did not kill his courage. 
His dwelling was the fine house which Weston Howland lived in for 
many years, still occupied by his family. 

Asa Swift, Jr., an original director, was a whaling captain and after- 
wards a merchant. He was one of the leading men of the town. He 
lived on Water street. Lemuel Tripp, another original director, was 
known as "Deacon Tripp." He was a man of high character and devoted 
to the Congregational church. He had the respect of the whole com- 
munity. He lived on William street, in the house where his grandson, 
Lemuel T. Willcox, lately died. 

Nathan Church, another original director, was the rich man of Fair- 
haven. His wealth measured by modern standards would seem trivial, 



232 NEW BEDFORD 

yet in the Fairhaven of his day he was considered a plutocrat. Mr. 
Church's counting house was on the east side of Water street, opposite 
Ezekiel Sawin's. Job C. Tripp, who until last summer was the oldest man 
living in Fairhaven, said that as a young man he admired Nathan Church 
because notwithstanding his exalted position as a man of great wealth, 
standing on a sort of pinnacle, he nevertheless was most urbane and 
stopped and greeted all his neighbors and fellow-citizens in the most 
friendly sort of way. "common sort of people just the same as the mer- 
chants." 

Mr. Tripp also said that it was Mr. Church's rigid rule of paying all 
his bills weekly every Saturday afternoon, not only his bills at the retail 
shops, but all accounts connected with his extensive whaling enterprises 
which could possibly be adjusted weekly. Mr. Church built the attractive 
house which Walter P. Winsor, of the First National Bank, long lived 
in. F. R. Whitwell was also a whaling merchant. His counting room 
was on Water street, south of Ezekiel Sawin's. He was somewhat more 
successful in escaping calamity than some of his fellow merchants. He 
was deemed to be the second wealthiest man in Fairhaven after Nathan 
Church. He lived on the west side of North Main street. His son, who 
was also later a director of the Fairhaven Bank, was also a leading mer- 
chant. Abner Pease, another original director, was a quiet, soft-man- 
nered Quaker, who lived in the north part of the town which has been 
since distinguished as the "Pease district." His attempt to dedicate his 
property to educational purposes was somewhat diverted to the support 
of lawyers, owing to the complicated litigation which ensued. 

William P. Jenney, another original director of the Fairhaven Bank, 
was a partner in the firm of Gibbs & Jenney. Gibbs & Jenney failed just 
before the war of i860. The assignees appointed by the court were 
George E. Tripp, afterwards the president of the Fairhaven Bank ; 
Joshua Tobey, of Wareham, and William W. Crapo. Mr. Tripp was an 
excellent man, somewhat pretentious, but not ambitious to undertake 
cares which could be avoided. Mr. Tobey lived in Wareham, where he 
had plenty of business to attend to. The result was that Mr. Crapo had 
his only experience as a whaling merchant in fitting ships, arranging 
voyages, selling oil, making settlements, etc. He had often acted as 
attorney for ship owners, but he had never before been confronted with 
the task of actually running a whaling business. It was only the rem- 
nants of a once prosperous business which Mr. Crapo could rescue. He 
employed Edmund Allen, who had clerked it for Gibbs & Jenney as his 
assistant in the business. Mr. Allen attempted the whaling business on 
his own account and failed and Mr. Crapo was in turn his assignee. As 
an illustration of how hard hit Fairhaven was in those days, the best bid 
which could be obtained for the elaborate gothic house and large well- 
conceived garden belonging to Mr. Jenney was $4,000. This attractive 



NEW BEDFORD 233 

estate was on the site of the present Unitarian church. Mr. Allen's hand- 
some house was sold for $6,000 and afterwards became the residence of 
Henry H. Rogers, where later he built his big house which has since 
been dismembered. 

There were other early directors of the Fairhaven Bank whose enter- 
prise and faith in the risks of the whaling business were equal to those 
of the merchants on the west bank of the Acushnet river. One difference 
between the two groups of men was religious. The west side merchants 
were Quakers and Pacifists. The east side merchants were Congrega- 
tionalists and fighters. It is perplexing to consider that peace without 
victory has been the lot of Fairhaven in a business way. Possibly vic- 
tory without peace is the less desirable result on the west bank of the 
river. 

The Fairhaven Bank is the only bank of Old Dartmouth which has 
had the thrilling experience of real bank burglars. Mr. William C. 
Stoddard tells the story. One Saturday evening in April, 1868, he took 
the nine o'clock bus from New Bedford over the bridge, intending to go 
to a club meeting. The club consisted only of Walter P. Winsor, 
Thomas B. Fuller and himself. He was a clerk in the Fairhaven Bank, 
then located in the old building where now is the Savings Bank. He had 
left his pipe in the bank and went there to get it before going to the 
club for the customary smoke talk. As he was about to unlock the front 
door, he heard noises in the dark bank. He called James F. Tripp, who 
was standing on the opposite side of Centre street, and together they 
investigated. They heard several persons leaving the bank by the back 
windows. It was too dark to see them. On entering the bank, they 
found the directors' table covered with burglars' tools, with a rigging to 
force the vault door. The burglars, however, had found an easier way of 
approach to the treasure, and had made a hole in the plastering at the 
side of the vault, which would have enabled them easily and within a 
short time to penetrate the thin boiler plate of the vault, where they 
would have found a plenteous supply of specie and money and negotiable 
bonds amounting to several hundreds of thousands of dollars in value, 
including the securities of the Savings Bank, which were kept in the same 
vault. The forgotten pipe saved the bank. The precipitous departure 
of the burglars possibly saved Mr. Stoddard, as by means of keys of the 
bank on his person they would have had a convenient access to the vault. 
Two of the men, who had been making a study of the situation for sev- 
eral weeks before pulling off the job, were taken by the New Bedford 
police. One of them was Jimmy Hope, a notorious bank robber, who 
was finally caught and held in San Francisco. They were quickly bailed 
out from detention in New Bedford, the bail being $15,000 in one case 
and $5,000 in the other. Thereupon they vanished. 

Mechanics' Bank — The Mechanics' Bank and the Mechanics' Insur- 



234 NEW BEDFORD 

ance Company were incorporated under separate legislative acts in June, 
183 1. A majority of the incorporators of both companies were the same 
mdividuals, and William R. Rodman was the president of each company. 

Isaac Howland signed the notice to the subscribers for the meeting 
of organization of the bank, held July 16, 1831, at the counting room of 
William R. Rodman. At this meeting Thomas A. Greene was chairman 
and James Thornton secretary. At the first meeting of the directors, 
July 23. 1831, William R. Rodman was elected president. James B. 
Congdon, the cashier of the Merchants' Bank, soon afterwards made 
application for the position of cashier, and was elected. Subsequently he 
withdrew and his brother, Joseph Congdon, was elected in his stead. 
Mr. Congdon's salary was fixed at $1,000, and was not increased as to 
gross amount during his twenty-six years of service. In the beginning 
he was authorized to employ an assistant at his own expense. This 
assistant was Peleg Hall, who served until 1835, when Isaac C. Taber 
was appointed his successor at a salary of $400 a year. Mr. Taber was 
soon succeeded by William G. Coffin, who after nearly ten years of serv- 
ice in 1845 was given a maximum salary of $450 a year. Joseph R. Shiv- 
erick acted as the secretary of the board of directors without pay for 
twenty-eight years, from the organization of the bank in 1831 until 1859. 

The bank was originally capitalized at $200,000. In 1854 this was 
increased to $400,000, and in 1857 to $600,000, which is its present capi- 
tal. In 1851 it renewed its State charter, but in 1864 the stockholders 
voted to surrender the State charter and organize a national banking 
association. The bank continued for about a year to conduct busine.ss 
under both charters as two separate institutions. The bank paid in divi- 
dends six per cent, a year for the most part during the first half century 
of its existence. The failure of Charles Russell & Sons in the early his- 
tory of the bank was evidently a trying experience for all the banks in 
New Bedford, and there is much about it in the early directors' records. 

"Memo. May 12. 1S37. This bank, together with all the other 
banks in town and vicinity, suspended specie payments, or in other 
words, ceased to redeem their bills on demand." This entry is not to be 
construed literally. The bills were redeemed in perfectly good money, 
but not in coin. Occasionally the difficulty in obtaining specie was so 
great that almost all the banks of the country were forced now and then 
to suspend specie payments. At the time of the Civil War the suspen- 
sion was practically universal. The resumption of specie payments after 
the war was looked forward to with much apprehension which was not 
justified by the event. The difficulty in obtaining specie in 1837 and 1838 
is evidenced by the entries in the records urging the cashier to purchase 
It on the "best terms available." On November 25, 1837, at a special 
meeting of the directors, Mr. Congdon was authorized to represent the 



NEW BEDFORD 235 

bank at "the convention of banks in New York,'" held, doubtless, to con- 
sider the general situation. 

An entry in the bank record reads, January, 1836: "On the 13th 
inst., the cashier committed to the care of John Sargent (of this town) 
$2,000 in Bank Bills to be delivered to the Suffolk Bank in Boston. They 
were not delivered in Boston as requested but lost on the road. On the 
19th inst., said bundle containing Two Thousand Dollars was found and 
returned to this bank in safety by * * * Godfrey, wagon driver on the 
line between N. Bedford and Boston. Whereupon, Voted: That the 
Cashier be authorized to pay to .said * * * Godfrey the sum of Fifty 
Dollars it being as a reward for finding and returning to this bank said 
package containing $2,000. Voted: That the Cashier is authorized to 
pay to sd John Sargent the sum of ten dollars 91 cents, it being the 
amount expended by him in searching for sd money." 

Before the Civil War, all four of the old State banks of New Bed- 
ford made free use of an unrestricted right to issue circulation. At times 
the issuing of currency in exchange for bills receivable was more profit- 
able than loaning money or credit at interest. The danger of over-circu- 
lation and the difficulty in a time of stress of redemption made this form 
of banking somewhat hazardous. The bank bills of the Massachusetts 
country banks and other New England banks were redeemable at the 
Suffolk Bank in Boston. This was not a matter of legal requirement, 
simply an established custom. To the credit of the integrity, wisdom 
and conservatism of our community, it can be said that no New Bedford 
bank bill was ever dishonored. 

Before the Civil War, the need of a more stable and reliable cur- 
rency had been demonstrated. The New Bedford banks, carefully and 
conservatively managed, had been able to supply a dependable currency 
and the profit was satisfactory. This was by no means the universal 
rule. As one of the results of the war, the national banking system was 
inaugurated and one of its provisions was a special tax of ten per cent, 
on all currency of State banks. This was a completely effective method, 
as it was designed to be, to force every State bank of issue to submit to 
the national system. The four banks of New Bedford were wise enough 
to see the writing on the wall, and abandon their State charters and seek 
Federal charters. 

The Mechanics' Bank received its Federal charter in June, 1864, re- 
taining its State charter, however, until March, 1865. At that time it had 
outstanding a considerable amount of circulation which, under the terms 
of the national banking act, was redeemable within two years. After 
two years the old bills were outlawed, but so far as known no New Bed- 
ford bank ever took advantage of this statute of limitation. Even within 
this century the bank has redeemed bills issued by it prior to 1864. 

The business of issuing circulation had been profitable to the Me- 



236 NEW BEDFORD 

chanics' Bank, and it wished to make the experiment of continuing that 
branch of its business under the new law. One necessary requirement 
for the right to issue circulation under the new regime was to acquire 
and deposit in the United States Treasury, bonds of the United States 
to secure the same. The best bonds to buy were the "5-20's." The 
sooner they were picked up the better, since it was evident that it was 
a rising market. These United States bonds bearing interest at six per 
cent, were called the "5-20's," because although they were payable in 
twenty years the national government reserved the right to retire them 
at the end of five years. They took the place of the 7-30's, so-called be- 
cause they bore interest of two cents per day for three hundred and sixty- 
five days in the year. So the Mechanics' National Bank picked up here 
and there as it could, in the Boston and New York market, $600,000 of 
these "5-20" United States bonds, an amount which represented its entire 
capital stock, by the deposit of which in the treasury it could obtain the 
right to issue $540,000 of national bank bills. The troublesome question 
was now to get these bonds from the old vault on Water street to the 
Treasury Building in Washington. There were two or three so-called 
"express" companies in New Bedford, brought into existence about 1850 
by the building of a railroad between New Bedford and Taunton. Hatch, 
Gray & Company are, perhaps, the best remembered. The directors of 
the Mechanics' Bank, however, did not consider it safe to entrust so 
much value to agents who would be quite unable to make good any mis- 
carriage. It was therefore decided that two officers of the bank should 
take the bonds to Washington. The cashier, Eliphalet W. Hervey, being 
a salaried officer, was naturally selected as one. The other, it was deter- 
mined, should be a member of the board of directors. Thomas Mandell, 
the president, said he was much too old for the job. John R. Thornton 
simply said he wouldn't. Thomas WMlcox was too modest, wherefore by 
a natural process of elimination the job was wished on William W. 
Crapo. the youngest member of the board, then about thirty-five years 
of age. No extra compensation was suggested. The bank did, how- 
ever, pay the bare traveling expenses of its messengers. 

Mr Hervey and Mr. Crapo obtained an old well-worn carpet bag in 
which the $600,000 of government bonds were stored, and going to Fall 
River by team, took the boat to New York. Mr. Crapo cannot recall 
whether it was Mr. Hervey or himself that slept with the precious carpet 
bag in his bunk, but together they had it in the stateroom, ancj together 
they carried it up to the Astor House in the morning and tctok a room 
where they deposited the bag on the floor. Mr. Hervey went downstairs 
and had some breakfast, Mr. Crapo guarding the bag in the chamber, 
and then, in turn, Mr. Hervey guarded the bag while Mr. Carpo went 
downstairs for breakfast ; and then together they guarded the bag until 
the next train was ready to leave Jersey City for Washington, which 



NEW BEDFORD 237 

was not until noontime. In those days of the war, traveling was neither 
luxurious or safe. The train, called a "mixed train," was crowded with 
soldiers and camp followers, and assault and robbery were incidents to 
be expected. The carpet bag was placed on the floor of the car, closely 
between them, and they tried to appear unconcerned. The train reached 
Washington long after the Treasury Department had closed, and the 
guarding of the bag was continued in the old Willard Hotel with watches 
turn and turn about. As soon as the Treasury opened the next morning, 
two tired, travel-worn men deposited their old carpet bag with the Treas- 
urer of the United States. A considerable time was taken in checking 
up the bonds and listing the numbers and fulfilling various necessary 
formalities. In the end a receipt was issued to the Mechanics' Bank, and 
Mr. Hervey and Mr. Crapo, with a feeling of intense relief, walked down 
Pennsylvania avenue, and had a bite for breakfast. Mr. Crapo subse- 
quently became, through various employments, extremely familiar with 
the Treasury Department, its methods and its varying personnel, and 
twenty years later he drafted and, as chairman of the finance commit- 
tee of the Congress, was instrumental in the legislation which renewed 
the national bank charters, yet nothing connected with the Treasury or 
the national bank system has ever made so deep an impression on him as 
that perilous journey from New Bedford to Washington with the old 
carpet bag bulging with more than half a million of precious bonds. 

In 1831 a lot of land for a banking house was purchased by the 
Mechanics' Bank from Mary Rotch, with an extra ten feet in the rear 
from Benjamin Rodman, at the northeast corner of Water and Rodman 
streets, about thirty-one feet frontage and fifty-five feet depth, an identi- 
cal lot to the south being at the same time conveyed to the Merchants' 
Bank. Apparently the Mechanics' Bank, together with the insurance 
company, began business in "Samuel Rodman's Stone Building, south 
side," opposite his dwelling, the building now occupied by Charles O. 
Brightman. The earlier stockholders' meetings, however, were held 
either in William R. Rodman's counting room, or "in the reading room 
over S. & C. S. Taber's store. No. 36 North Water street." Meanwhile 
the new building at the foot of William street was under construction. 
"The Mercury" of July 19, 1833, says: "The Mechanics' Insurance Com- 
pany have removed their office to the New Building at the foot of Wil- 
liam Street." This was the second story over the bank. Moses Gibbs 
was the secretary of the insurance company. The annual meetings of 
the bank in October, 1833, 1834 and 1835 were held in this office or 
"hall," as it was called, presumably because it was more commodious 
than the banking room. Afterwards the stockholders' meetings were 
usually held at the bank. Probably the bank was established in its quar- 
ters at the foot of William street in the later part of 1833 or the early 
part of 1834. 



238 NEW BEDFORD 

The old bank building at the foot of William street still stands, a 
fine example of that steadfast loyalty, without subservience, to the purity 
of the architectural orders adapted without being mutilated to serve the 
exigencies of specific problems, which characterized Russell Warren's 
work. New Bedford is indeed fortunate in still preserving a number of 
examples of this famous architect's work. It is difficult in view of later 
history to conceive that the Merchants' and the Mechanics' banks could 
ever have agreed to act jointly, yet, in 1831, they evidently did act jointly 
in employing Mr. Warren to design a building for their common use. 

The skill with which Warren's design was made becomes more and 
more impressive as the location and form of the building is studied from 
the point of view of the artist. Nothing approaching it has ever since 
been achieved by later bank architects. The design alone was a joint 
undertaking between the banks. The construction of the two several 
halves of the building was undertaken separately under different con- 
tracts. The south half, belonging to the Merchants' Bank, was built by 
Dudley Davenport, a prominent and showy sort of man who, curiously 
enough, was a director of the Mechanics' Bank. The north half was con- 
structed for the Mechanics' Bank by Robert Chase, a less showy but, in 
some ways, a more reliable contractor. Mr. Chase subsequently became 
the boss mechanic of the New Bedford & Taunton railroad. When the 
building was nearing completion after a year or two of delayed construc- 
tion, it was discovered that the Ionic columns which support the pedi- 
ment in front of the several halves of the building differed in entasis, 
which is to say the perpendicular swelling curve of a classical pillar. A 
builder learned in his profession is supposed to know the exact entasis 
requisite for a pillar of a specified height and diameter. Russell Warren 
passed judgment on the work of the two builders. He found that the 
three pillars in front of the Mechanics' half of the building were ortho- 
dox, and that the three pillars in front of the Merchants' half of the build- 
ing were heterodox. The cost of the building to the Mechanics' Bank 
was $9,500. 

In this fine old building both banks carried on their business for over 
sixty years, the Merchants' on the south side and the Mechanics' on the 
north. The two banks were similar in their interior arrangements. 
Whenever one made some slight improvement or change, the other 
quickly followed with something hopefully better. The vaults in each 
case were at the easterly end of the original building. When in 1876 
the property of the old Savings Bank was acquired from Mr. Bartlett, 
both banks extended their quarters. 

The north half of the second story of the old building was from the 
start the office of the Mechanics' Insurance Company. In 1846 the Wam- 
sutta Mills was started and established its office over the Merchants' 
Bank. Joseph Grinnell was its president and Edward L. Baker its treas- 



NEW BEDFORD 239 

urer. Here was located the office of the Wamsutta Mills until the build- 
ing was abandoned by the banks in 1894. The front room, at the corner, 
was occupied by Andrew G. Pierce and two or three clerks. The back 
room was filled with samples of cotton. There were no typewriting 
machines, or adding machines, or stenographers connected with the 
establishment. It is doubtful if any female person ever worked in any 
office on Water street, surely none until after the last quarter of the last 
century. 

At the time of the exodus from Water street, the Mechanics' Bank 
acquired a twenty-year lease of the corner stores in the old Cummings 
building at the southwest corner of Purchase and William streets, oppo- 
site the location of the Merchants' Bank Liberty Hall property. The 
banks still kept close together, although the street separated them. On 
the location of the Mechanics' Bank in my boyhood was the apothecary 
shop of William P. S. Cadwell, and to the south the book shop of Charles 
Taber. In this location the bank continued to do business for nearly 
twenty years, when the approaching termination of its lease and the pro- 
posed widening of Purchase street led to its seeking new quarters. It 
purchased in 1914 land at the southwest corner of Union and Pleasant 
streets. This property was conveyed by John Williams to Moses Grin- 
nell in 1782, and was occupied as a homestead by him and his widow and 
his son, Charles Grinnell, for seventy-three years, until 1855. In 1858 
it came into the possession of Oliver R. Whitcomb, whose family owned 
it for the next thirty-eight years. On this site the Mechanics' Bank built 
its present banking home. Quaker-like in its severe simplicity, yet as 
the Quaker ladies prided themselves in an ungodly way on the fineness 
of the weave of the fabric they wore, the hank plumes itself on the tex- 
ture of its Bethel granite. 

The first president of the Mechanics' Bank was William Rotch Rod- 
man, son of Samuel. He served the bank as president for twenty years, 
until 185 1. Mr. Rodman was essentially an aristocrat. He had a some- 
what haughty manner, and consequently was not generally popular. His 
counting room was in the old wooden building at the corner of Rodman 
and Front streets, afterwards occupied by Francis and Horatio Hatha- 
way. Mr. Rodman's manner was largely only manner and not indicative 
of his character, which was kindly and generous. He was a man of 
rather more scholarly attainments than many of his business contem- 
poraries. His dwelling house on County street, at the foot of Hawthorn 
street, designed bv Russell Warren, is to-day the most stately mansion 
in New Bedford. 

Thomas Mandell was another original director of the Mechanics' 
Bank, serving for nearly fifty years. He succeeded Mr. Rodman as 
president in 1851, and served until his death, in 1870. He was born in 
North Fairhaven in 1792. When a young man he became a clerk in the 



240 NEW BEDFORD 

firm of Isaac Howland & Company, and later became a partner with a 
share of one-seventh in the net earnings. To his sagacity and faithful- 
ness, this prosperous firm in its latter days is indebted for much of its 
success. To his own care and frugality he himself was indebted for his 
considerable fortune. Especially after the departure of Edward M. Rob- 
inson to New York, Thomas Mandell was the active outdoor man of the 
firm of which Sylvia Ann Howland was the resident owner. Mr. Crapo 
describes Mr. Mandell as an upright and honorable merchant, benevo- 
lent and kindly. When he formed an opinion, he was rather "set" about 
it. On the records of the directors of the Mechanics' Bank there is a 
resolution adopted by the board on the decease of Mr. Mandell in 1870, 
and in the remarks made by Mr. Crapo on that occasion, he said : "Mr. 
Mandell's love for his neighbors, joined so closely with sincerity and 
earnestness in the performance of duty, that during his long life he was 
constantly doing good and making others happy." 

W. W. Crapo succeeded Mr. Mandell as president of the Mechanics' 
Bank and served thirty-four years. So that in the first seventy-three 
years of the bank's history there were but three presidents. 

George S. Baker, another of the original directors, was a partner of 
Oliver Crocker. Their business was the manufacture of oil products. 
Their counting room was in the alleyway ofif Second street, in the second 
story of an old wooden building. South of the alley were Brown & Pur- 
rington, merchant tailors. He died when still a comparatively young 
man. His son, William G. Baker, was subsequently the editor of the 
"Mercury." 

John Perkins was a wallpaper manufacturer. His store and factory 
were in a three-story wooden building on Union street, where is now the 
Steiger-Dudgeon Company. In this building the Public Library was 
started. Mr. Perkins was a man of only moderate means. 

Pardon Tillinghast came from Newport. He was a clerk of Jireh 
Perry and afterwards a partner, engaged in the whaling business. He 
was a man of substance. "A fine old gentleman," says Mr. Crapo. 

Joseph R. Shiverick was not a merchant of any prominence. He 
was "a careful, prudent man." He lived on County street, opposite the 
court house. 

Edmund Gardner was one of the most capable whaling masters who 
ever sailed from this port. His thrilling adventures have been told in a 
publication of the Historical Society prepared by his grandson, Walter S. 
Allen. Mr. Crapo recalls him as "a. splendid old gentleman." 

Andrew Robeson was a son-in-law of old Samuel Rodman. He 
lived in a brick mansion on the west side of Second street, opposite Eliz- 
abeth Rotch Rodman's stone house on the east side. His gardens ex- 
tended up William street to Purchase street. He had a cotton mill in 
Fall River, and every day he drove a fast horse and light buggy over to 



NEW BEDFORD 241 

Fall River, by Head of Westport or Hixville, returning at night. He 
used to make fabulous time on these journeys and prided himself on the 
speed of his horses. It was he who conceived the idea of a boulevard 
around Clark's Point and by reason of his long continued persistence in 
advocating the plan, the road was at last constructed, and was called 
French avenue, after Rodney French, the mayor of the time, much to 
the disgust of the originators of the plan. Mr. French was persona non 
grata to the aristocratic merchants of the town, who, outside their own 
select circle, were called "the old hunkers." 

Dudley Davenport was a contractor and builder. He had a lumber 
yard at the foot of Bush street, where the New Bedford Gas & Edison 
Light Company is now. His was the "south end yard.," The "north end 
yard" was Sampson Perkins'. Mr. Davenport was an energetic man, 
but his actions were often erratic. His failure in business in 1843 caused 
him to cease to continue as a director. 

The above-named comprised the original board of directors, all of 
whom Mr. Crapo clearly remembers. Other early directors were Wil- 
liam Cummings, who kept the "store" at Smith Mills. John R. Thorn- 
ton, who was one of a strong Quaker family. In his early business life, 
he had a dry goods store on Union street, at the foot of Johnny Cake 
Hill. Later he engaged in whaling, his counting house being on Com- 
mercial Wharf. Edmund Taber, who was a member of the firm of 
Tucker & Taber, wholesale dealers in dry goods and fitters of slop chests. 
Their shop was on Water street, south of the Bedford Commercial Bank. 
He became early interested in the discovery of petroleum oil. Sylvanus 
Thomas, who was an oil manufacturer, having a counting room and 
warehouse in New York, where he spent much of his time. George 
Homer succeeded to his business. 

The first cashier of the Mechanics' Bank was Joseph Congdon. He 
was a man of dififerent temperament and capacity from his brother James, 
the cashier of the Merchants' Bank. He was content to attend studiously 
and methodically to the rather humdrum duties of a cashier of those 
times. Mr. Crapo recalls him as a somewhat diffident, retiring man. At 
the bank he wore a long, swallow-tail coat, with a short jacket super- 
imposed, below which the coattails waved when he moved. In his 
"weskit" pocket he always carried parched corn which he constantly 
nibbled during banking hours. Until late in life he was a bachelor, and 
his main interest was in the cultivation of flowers. He must have in- 
stilled this enthusiasm in his clerk, Eliphalet W. Hervey, who succeeded 
him as cashier. Mr. Congdon lived in his later years in the charming 
English stone cottage on the Point road, still standing in Hazelwood 
Park. He was cashier of the bank for twenty-six years, and his suc- 
cessor, Mr. Hervey, was cashier for twenty-five years. This same love 



242 NEW BEDFORD 

of 'flowers, which also distinguished Thomas Wilcox, must have been 
instilled in Nathan C. Hathaway, the present assistant cashier of the 
Mechanics' Bank, who claims now to be the oldest bank employee in the 
city. 

There is engendered through the semi-weekly meetings together on 
discount days, a comradeship among the directors of a bank, which is a 
full compensation for their gratuitous service to the bank. Oftentimes 
when there is no important business to discuss, these meetings become 
social gatherings. It was not so much an honor as a privilege to meet in 
intimate intercourse with such men as Andrew G. Pierce, Horatio Hath- 
away, Frederick Grinnell, William C. Taber, and others. One man in 
this group, Thomas Wilcox, was so lovable that he endeared himself to 
every man who ever sat about the directors' table with him. Mr. Wil- 
cox was elected in 1861, the same year as Mr. Crapo. For fifty-two years 
he scarcely ever missed the semi-weekly meetings. For more than thirty 
years he was the secretary of the board, and its records are a memorial 
of the exact and scrupulous care with which he did all things. 

The Marine Bank — Among all the men who have been connected 
with the old Marine Bank (now the First National) — and there have 
been many whose services to this community deserve encomium — Joseph 
Grinnell stands preeminent. One of the sons of Captain Cornelius Grin- 
nell, of the old Bedford Bank, he went as a youth to New York and there 
acquired what was deemed in his day a fortune. Daniel Ricketson, 
through his "loop-holes of retreat," traced the characteristics of com- 
mercial personalities. "The clear-headed, far-sighted, bold and fearless 
man of business; the cautious, timid, self-distrusting; the steady, perse- 
vering, honest, self-respecting; the reckless, the avaricious, the penuri- 
ous, the generous, benevolent, intelligent, cultivated, knowing, grasping, 
the haughty and overbearing, the shrewd, manoeuvering, dare-devil, 
mingled together and jostled each other in their daily occupations." 
Many of these types have been represented among the directors of the 
Marine Bank, the most democratic bank in New Bedford. 

Joseph Grinnell, however, was aristocratically democratic. Mr. 
Ricketson says: "New York, too, has her noble-minded merchants, of 
Revolutionary and modern times ; and her Grinnells already stand forth 
as rivals of the Livingstons and Hancocks of older and the Lawrences 
of later times. But we cannot allow our natural metropolis the whole 
credit of claiming these last-named gentlemen — the Grinnells. They 
are not only natives of New Bedford, but here received the rudiments of 
that education in which they excel as skillful and honorable merchants 
of the old Quaker stock, from which they sprung." 

Joseph Grinnell, the first president of the Marine Bank, serving for 
fifty years, is the one man connected with banking to whom this com- 
munity may award the highest place in its role of honorable and useful 



NEW BEDFORD 243 

service. He did not sit at a desk and attend to details. He had the good 
fortune to acquire and extend progressive viewpoints. It has been the 
usual, and, indeed, in many cases, the inevitable misfortune of many of 
the men connected with the exacting business of banking, to mull at a 
desk in a country town, confining their energy to fussing over accounts 
and paltry credits, "attending strictly to duty." as they like to phrase it, 
and thus denying themselves the acquirement of a broad view of busi- 
ness and citizenship. Such was not Mr. Grinnell's fate. His early ex- 
perience as a merchant in New York, his later experience as representa- 
tive of this community in the Congress of the United States of America, 
his knowledge acquired by foreign travel and touch with things which 
happened beyond his little native town on the Acushnet, instilled in him 
a broad and progressive spirit. 

Ten years before the Civil War he ceased his somewhat long service 
in the national government, but not his abiding interest in the national 
spirit of unification. When, after the war, the suggestion was made for 
carrying on the banking business of the whole country through a national 
system, most of the old gentlemen in charge of the New Bedford banks 
shook their heads solemnly and said it would not work. In the first place 
it was new, that alone sufficed to condemn it. They had always done a 
successful business under their State charters, why, then, not bear the 
ills they had, rather than fly to others that they knew not of? Joseph 
Grinnell took a different view. He was never afraid of an idea because 
it was new or revolutionary. He grasped the wide significance of a uni- 
form banking system which would strengthen every associated bank. 
Among the first in the whole country he applied for a national charter 
for the Marine Bank, which was properly called the First National Bank 
of New Bedford. The other banks which still hung back timidly on the 
shore of the sea into which Mr. Grinnell had so confidently led the way, 
one by one made the plunge. First the Commercial, then the Mechanics', 
and last the Merchants'. Not alone in banking was Mr. Grinnell the 
confident initiator. It was his inspiration which started the spindles. It 
was he who made the railroad possible. He was not averse to taking a 
risk in a new adventure when he had deliberately satisfied himself that 
it was a fairly safe risk. He was conservatively yet bravely construc- 
tive in his mental attitude. 

The original board of directors of the Marine Bank comprised Joseph 
Grinnell and his two brothers-in-law, William W. Swain and Joseph R. 
Anthony, and several other gentlemen who served for rather short terms. 
Subsequently there were elected certain men whose service covered con- 
siderable periods — Edward C. Jones, forty-three years ; Edward W. 
Howland, thirty-four years ; Ephraim Kempton, thirty-one years ; James 
Howland, twenty-seven years ; William C. Taber, twenty-four years. 

Mr. Grinnell's successor was a man of very different characteris- 



244 NEW BEDFORD 

tics — William Watkins. Mr. Watkins was a conservator rather than an 
initiator. He never took risks, that is, not consciously. He was born 
at Westport Point in 1814. When eighteen he became the clerk of Elisha 
Dunbar & Company, afterwards Edward C. Jones, ship chandlers and 
managing owners of whaleships. In 1840 Mr. Watkins engaged inde- 
pendently in the ship chandlery business and whaling, which he con- 
tinued until 1878. Mr. Watkins' service to the banks of New Bedford 
is more comprehensive than that of any man whose record I have studied. 
In 1847 he became a trustee of the New Bedford Institution for Savings, 
serving for nearly fifty years, holding the office of president of the insti- 
tution for twenty-six years. In 1852 he became a director of the Me- 
chanics' Bank, serving twenty-seven years until he was asked to become 
the successor of Mr. Grinnell as president of the First National Bank. 
For eleven years he acted as president, and continued as a director until 
his death. Mr. Watkins was a man somewhat timidly careful, unwilling 
to make quick decisions, yet when he felt sure of his ground, rigid in 
following the course laid down and infinitely patient. The absolute trust 
in his ability and integrity held by all who knew him was without quali- 
fication. 

John Williams, Jr., the first cashier of the Marine Bank, was an able 
man. He was much interested in the theoretical side of banking and 
wrote pamphlets on banking subjects. In 1839 he resigned and went to 
New York, where he became prominent in the banking circles of the city. 
He was the cashier and president of the Metropolitan Bank. He was 
succeeded as cashier of the Marine Bank by William M. Sisson, the son 
of Allen Sisson, the village blacksmith at Russell's Mills, a young man 
who had been clerk for three years. While cashier he took a package of 
money, contained in a traveling bag, with the intention of depositing it 
in the Suffolk Bank. He went by coach to Taunton, the nearest railroad 
connection. At the railroad station he placed his bag on a bench while 
purchasing his ticket and, the train beginning to move, out he rushed to 
get aboard. He had traveled on the train some five or six miles before 
he remembered that he had left his bag containing the money at the 
station. The train was stopped. It was in the winter and snow was on 
the ground. He ran all the way back to Taunton and found his bag 
intact just where he had left it. The exposure and exhaustion of this 
experience brought on a severe cold and lung trouble from which he died 
not long after. John P. Barker, the next cashier, who served for thirty- 
two years, was a son of "Deacon Barker," who lived at the southwest 
corner of Third and Walnut streets. Walter P. Winsor, who had been 
a clerk in the bank for ten years, became cashier in 1874 and served as 
such for twenty-five years, being succeeded by William A. Mackie. 

Citicens' Bank — Joseph Arthur Beauvais, who had been in the count- 
ing room of James B. Wood & Company for twenty-one years, in 1872 



NEW BEDFORD 245 

formed a partnership with Thomas B. Fuller, of Fairhaven, under the 
firm name of Beauvais & Company, and engaged in private banking, 
taking deposits, making loans, dealing in securities and acting as finan- 
cial agents and advisers. The office of Beauvais & Company was at the 
northeast corner of Water and Centre streets, directly opposite the Com- 
mercial Bank, in the store formerly occupied by Eggers the gunsmith. 
This property was deeded to Mr. Beauvais by Mary Rotch Emerson. Its 
north line was the middle of the stairway which led to the law office of 
Lemuel T. Willcox on the south, and the law office of Eliot & Stetson on 
the north. In 1875 the Citizens' National Bank was organized and the 
business of Beauvais & Company was transferred to it, Mr. Beauvais 
being the president and Mr. Fuller the cashier. The original capital was 
$250,000, subsequently increased to $500,000. The advent of this new 
bank was not welcomed by the old established banks, — a point of view 
equally apparent at the present day when any suggestion of a new bank 
is made. The Citizens' Bank, however, amply proved its right to exist 
and earned the respect and confidence of the community. The property 
next north, then occupied by the Union Mutual Marine Insurance Com- 
pany, was acquired from Benjamin S. and William J. Rotch (April, 
1875), and the buildings were modernized and comfortably fitted for 
banking purposes. Subsequently Hosea M. Knowlton occupied the offices 
over the bank. 

In 1891 the Citizens' Bank moved into a commodious banking house 
which it had built at the northwest corner of Second and William streets, 
now occupied in part by the Automatic Telephone Company, and here 
continued until 1899, when the bank was liquidated for the purpose of 
uniting with the Mechanics' National Bank, Mr. Edward S. Brown, of 
the Citizens' Bank, becoming the cashier of the Mechanics' National 
Bank. 

Mr. Beauvais was born in South Dartmouth in 1824. His father was 
a native of Bordeaux, France, who, when a lad, in order to avoid con- 
scription in Napoleon's army, which was then drafting boys of twelve 
years of age, was sent to America to his sister, the wife of James Rider, 
of Dartmouth. Through his mother he was connected with many old 
Dartmouth families of pure English stock. It is somewhat remarkable 
that Mr. Beauvais, so unwarlike in appearance and temperament and so 
thoroughly identified with New England traditions, had a father who 
was subject to military service in France, and a grandson, Harold Von 
Schmaedel, who is now presumably doing military service in Germany. 

The Nezv Bedford Institution for Savings — The Massachusetts sav- 
ings bank is a type of bank which now exists in many of the eastern 
States. It is, for the most part, unknown in other parts of the country. 
It has no capital stock ; it has no right to issue currency ; its loans and 
investments are rigidly restricted. It is managed as a philanthropic 



246 NEW BEDFORD 

agency to enable persons of small means to deposit their savings and 
have the same wisely invested so as to accumulate earnings. No public 
philanthropy has been of more enduring benefit to the people of Massa- 
chusetts. The "Old Savings Bank" of New Bedford, as it is called, has 
contributed in a marked degree to the general welfare of New Bedford, 
through the voluntary, generous and conscientious service given to its 
hundreds of thousands of depositors by so many of the prosperous mer- 
chants and financiers of the community. 

The first savings bank established in this country was in Boston in 
1816 — the Provident Institution for Savings. Nine years after that date, 
in 1825, the New Bedford Institution for Savings was organized. Its 
incorporators, who had no motives of self-interest, and no expectation 
of personal gain, and who were actuated solely by philanthropic con- 
siderations, were representative men of the highest standing in the com- 
munity both as to wealth and character. They were: William Rotch, 
Jr., Gilbert Russell, Cornelius Grinnell, Andrew Robeson, Hayden Cog- 
geshall, Benjamin Rodman, John Avery Parker, Eli Haskell, Richard 
Williams, George Howland, Joseph Bourne, Abraham Shearman, Sr., 
William W. Swain, Thomas Rotch, Thomas A. Greene, Samuel Rodman, 
Jr., John B. Smith, William C. Nye, Thomas S. Swain, William H. Allen, 
Lemuel Williams, Jr., John Howland, Jr., Charles H. Warren, William 
P. Grinnell, Joseph Ricketson, Charles Grinnell, Nathan Bates, John 
Coggeshall, Jr., James Howland (2d), Charles W. Morgan, Gideon How- 
land. 

The meeting of organization was held on the evening of July 19, 
1825, at the counting room of Samuel Rodman, Jr. The first deposit of 
fifty dollars was made August 15, 1825. In the first two weeks $950 had 
been deposited by eleven persons. The first report in December, 1825, 
shows total deposits of $13,051. The last report of December 30, 1916, 
shows total deposits of $19,841,265.15 by 40,155 depositors, and resources 
of $21,766,193.59. The institution has never passed a semi-annual divi- 
dend. 

Until 1833 the bank apparently did business in some office furnished 
by the treasurer. Abraham Shearman, Jr., was the first treasurer, serv- 
ing only a short time, and being succeeded by William C. Taber, who 
served until 1835. The business of the bank was for a few years trans- 
acted in a room in the second story of the building still standing at the 
northeast corner of the "Four Corners," over William C. Taber's book 
shop, with an entrance by way of a narrow flight of stairs leading from 
Union street. The bank at first was open for business only on Mondays 
of each week, between 12:00 m. and i :oo p. m. In view of the rapidly 
increasing business this limited schedule must have been soon extended. 

In 1832 the bank purchased of Mary Rotch a lot of land on Hamil- 
ton street, extending to Rodman street, "adjoining on the east the lot 



NEW BEDFORD 247 

whereon the Banking House of the Merchants' and Mechanics' Com- 
panies are to be erected." A building was here built and finished in 1833 
at a cost of about $8,000, the land having cost $3,500. Here the bank 
lived for about twenty years. The first story of the building was low 
and partly underground, owing to the grade of the street. Above was 
a more spacious story, in the front room of which was the bank. In the 
rear was the Social Library, presided over by Robert Ingraham, where 
Mr. Crapo used to go on Saturday afternoons to read the "Edinburgh 
Review" in its heyday, Jefifries and Macaulay issuing their pronuncia- 
mentos. After the bank left these quarters in 1854, the building was 
purchased by Benjamin Lindsey and here for twenty years "The Whale- 
man's Shipping List and Merchant's Transcript" was published by him. 
In 1875 Mr. Lindsey sold the property to Ivory H. Bartlett, who the next 
year conveyed it to the Merchants' and Mechanics' banks, which each 
extended their several quarters to the eastward, rebuilding the old struc- 
ture and incorporating it with the porticoed building of Russell Warren. 

In 1853 a lot of land at the southeast corner of William and Second 
streets was acquired by the savings bank from Elizabeth Rotch Rod- 
man, south of her homestead, and the bank moved into its new brown 
freestone building in 1854. The land and building cost about $18,000. 
This building is still standing, having been used after its abandonment 
by the bank for the court house of the Third District Court of Bristol, 
which has now, in turn, abandoned it. In this commodious and most 
attractive home, designed by Russell Warren, the bank dwelt for forty- 
three years, until in 1897 it moved into its present stately home, designed 
by Charles Brigham, of Boston. There have been erected in this country 
other banks, much larger, much more ornate, and with more elaborate 
and efficient facilities, yet it is to be doubted whether any banking house 
hereafter built can vie with the Old Savings Bank of New Bedford in the 
quality of its Sienna marble and San Domingo mahogany. 

In the room of the board of investment hangs the portrait of Wil- 
liam Rotch, Jr., the first president, who served for twenty-six years. Mr. 
Rotch was born in 1759 and lived to be ninety-one years of age. He and 
his father, William Rotch, who lived to be eighty-nine years of age, were 
preeminently the leading merchants and citizens of New Bedford for a 
whole century. William Rotch, Jr., lived in the three-story wooden 
house on Water street, north of the present home of the historical soci- 
ety, which was afterwards moved up onto Johnny Cake Hill, and is now 
the Mariners' Home. Afterwards his home was on County street, be- 
tween Bush street and Cherry lane. In the ninety-two years of the 
bank's existence, there have been but seven presidents. Abraham Barker 
served five years. Pardon Tillinghast only one year, William C. Taber 
five years. Of the remaining eighty-one years, Mr. Rotch served twenty- 



248 NEW BEDFORD 

six, Thomas Mandell fifteen, William Watkins ninenteen, and William 
W. Crapo twenty-one years. 

In the ninety-two years of the bank's existence there have been but 
seven treasurers. Abraham Shearman served six months, William C. 
Taber nine years, George W. Baker seven and one-half years, Reuben 
Nye two years. Of the remaining seventy-three years, William C. Coffin 
served twenty-four and one-half, Charles H. Pierce thirty-six and George 
H. Batchelor twelve and one-half years. 

For more than half of the bank's existence, Charles H. Pierce was 
in the service of the bank and for more than one-third of its existence 
was the person most intimately connected with the institution and the 
person to whom the public looked as its executive head. There are 
many who recall his charming personality, his buoyancy of spirit, his 
gentleness of manner, and his splendid rectitude. In a remarkable degree 
he epitomized the ideal of the social service which the New Bedford In- 
stitution for Savings stands for. 

In the ninety-two years of the bank's existence, there have been fif- 
teen clerks of the corporation. The last three incumbents, Henry T. 
Wood, William G. Wood and Edmund Wood, who have held the office 
in heredity, have a united term of fifty-seven years. 

The terms of the members of the board of investment, of whom 
there have been only thirty-nine in all, have for the most part continued 
for many years. The most conspicuous cases are William C. Taber, who 
served forty-three years ; Thomas Mandell, forty-one years ; Pardon 
Tillinghast, thirty-three years ; William Watkins, twenty-nine years ; 
Edward D. Mandell, twenty-six years ; W'illijfm W. Crapo, twenty-three 
years; Andrew G. Pierce, twenty-two years. 

This record of stability of service is a splendid example of constancy 
in voluntary dedication to a public philanthropy. 

Fairhavcn Institution for Savings — This extract from the records of 
the Fairhaven Bank (now the National Bank of Fairhaven) of April 19. 
1831 : "Voted that the Directors be a committee to erect a bank building 
with suitable provision for an office for the Fairhaven Insurance Com- 
pany," locates the insurance office referred to in the records of the first 
meeting of this institution as upstairs in the building we now occupy. 

Record of the first deposits, March 19, 1832: 

No. I, James Neil $25, Fairhaven 

2, Thomas Pray 30, Mariner 

3, Francis Silvara 50, Mariner 

4, James R. Tilton 100, Mariner 

5, Jacob T. Davis 200, Mariner 

6, Sarah E. I. Hitch 7. Fairhaven 

Rec'd from 6 Depositors $412. 

The first dividend declared payable on April 29, 1833 : Five and a 
half per cent, on deposits agreeable to by-laws. 



NEW BEDFORD 249 

The savings bank did business in the office of the insurance com- 
pany, in the second story of the banking house on Centre street, until in 
1876 it purchased the building from the Fairhaven National Bank, and 
thereafter occupied the first floor. One of the treasured possessions of 
the savings bank is an old banjo clock made in Fairhaven by Lebbeus 
Bailey, one of the original incorporators, which still runs true. 

The first president of the savings bank was Ezekiel Sawin, who 
served fourteen years. The second president was Isaiah F. Terry, who 
served sixteen years. He was succeeded by Captain George H. Taber, 
who served the bank as trustee for thirty-eight years, of which he was 
president twenty-two years. Captain George Taber was born in 1808 
and died in 1901, aged ninety-two. He was born and lived and died in 
the old house on Adams street, near North, which was a part of his 
inheritance from the early founders of Fairhaven. He was a direct de- 
scendant of Philip Taber, John Cook and Arthur Hathaway. When 
seventeen years old he went a-whaling. Afterwards he was a merchant 
captain, taking oil to Sweden and bringing back iron, sailing to all the 
ports of Europe, South America and the West Indies. He brought the 
first cargo of coal ever brought to New Bedford. After his retirement 
from the sea, he was. for half a century, the King of Fairhaven, a per- 
petual selectman, assessor, overseer of the poor and general boss. My 
first acquaintance with Fairhaven politics was when Captain Taber was 
still at the helm. Captain Taber was succeeded in 1886 by Thomas A. 
Tripp, the present president of the bank. 

William L. B. Gibbs, one of the leading whaling merchants of the 
town, was treasurer from 1832 to 1840; Edmund Allen from 1841 to 1847. 
Then came Charles Drew, who served the bank as treasurer for thirty- 
two years. Deacon Drew was a native of Fairhaven, who lived his long 
life of eighty-five years in the quaint little old house at the four corners 
opposite the present bank building. Behind the house was a charming 
garden, where in summer Mrs. Drew gave garden parties. He studied 
in his youth for the ministry. He was postmaster of Fairhaven until 
1853. He served in the Legislature. In 1854 he was made treasurer of 
the savings bank. He is remembered with kindness by all. 

Mr. Drew was succeeded in 1886 by Charles H. Morton, the present 
treasurer, who has served thirty-one years. 

Nezv Bedford Five Cents Savings Bank — As the New Bedford Insti- 
tution for Savings had proved so useful a civic agency, and had acquired 
what seemed an amount of money sufficiently large for the care of one 
set of men, the idea was suggested of a new savings bank which might 
appeal to a dififerent class in the community, and also permit persons to 
have more than one limited savings bank deposit. To indicate in part 
the motive of its originators, deposits of five cents would be taken, the 



250 NEW BEDFORD 

minimum required in the old bank being one dollar. This suggested the 
name. 

The first meeting of the petitioners for a five cents savings bank in 
New Bedford was held at the office of the Marine Bank. Pursuant to a 
call by Thomas B. White, one of the persons named in the act of incor- 
poration May 5, 1855, the meeting being called to order by Thomas B. 
White, and William H. Taylor was called to the chair. Charles Almy 
was chosen secretary. The charter as granted by the Senate and the 
House of Representatives in April, 1855, was accepted. George How- 
land, Jr., was elected president, and Henry H. Crapo and Alexander H. 
Seabury vice-presidents. John P. Barker, the cashier of the Marine 
Bank, acted temporarily as treasurer, and business was begun in the 
Marine Bank and there carried on until November, 1855, when the bank 
moved to the second story of a building on the west side of Purchase 
street, south of Willard Sears' dwelling house, numbered 19 on the street 
at that time. In 1857 the bank moved to the second story of China Hall, 
just north of its present location. In 1862 the bank moved to a store on 
the first floor of the Ricketson block on Union street, afterwards the ex- 
press office of Hatch & Company. In 1870 the bank removed to the 
Hicks building, then new, and took the rooms on the north side at the 
corner of Mechanics lane. Here the bank continued to do business for 
twenty-three years. The south part of the lower story was occupied by 
the Union Boot and Shoe Store, and in the upper story the Union for 
Good Works was located. 

In March, 1891, the bank purchased a part of the Willard Sears prop- 
erty on Purchase street, known as "Tannery Lot," the south line being 
what is now called Sears' Court. The north line of the lot had been a 
matter of bitter controversy between Willard Sears and my grandfather, 
George Tappan, who owned China Hall, which was built on the "Foun- 
tain Lot." From a spring on the "Fountain Lot," water was led in the 
early days to Rotch Wharf by a log pipe. The Fountain Lot was the 
southwest corner of William Rotch's original ten-acre purchase from 
the Russells. The corner was cut at an angle to permit the cows in the 
pasture of the Russells to get water. This arrangement, while doubtless 
convenient for the cows, has been the prolific cause of much trouble to 
successive generations of surveyors of land in the neighborhood. Not 
until the bank acquired the Sears property was the dispute as to the divi- 
sion line adjusted on a give and take basis. Willard T. Sears, a son of 
the tanner, was the architect of the new building, which was occupied 
for business in March, 1893. The building was moved back in 1914, 
when Purchase street was widened. Here the bank is now located. 

In 1856 the deposits were $63,832.25; in 1893, $5,065,011.13; in 1916, 
$11,212,219.92. 

George Howland, Jr., the first president of the bank, served thirty- 



NEW BEDFORD 251 

seven years. He was the son of George Howland and with his brother, 
Matthew C. Howland, continued the whahng merchant business of their 
father at North and Water streets. George Howland, Jr., was born in 
1806 and died in 1892. For forty-five years he was a trustee of the New 
Bedford Institution for Savings. He was one of the leading men of the 
community. He served as a Representative and Senator in the General 
Court ; as selectman ; and in nearly every capacity as a municipal officer. 
He was mayor from 1862 to 1865, during the war time. His interest in 
the Society of Friends and in educational matters were as constant as his 
interest in public affairs. In 1857 he gave to the city the salary which he 
had received as mayor during two years, as a fund to purchase books for 
the Public Library. His fine presence and his gentle breeding as a highly 
educated member of the Society of Friends made him a splendid example 
of a type now gone. Mr. Howland lived on the west side of Sixth street, 
at the corner of Walnut, where Mr. Charles F. Wing now lives. This 
house was always the abode of hospitality. 

Mr. Howland's successor as president was Loum Snow, who served 
for twenty-four years and who died last year. He was succeeded by 
Jireh Swift, Jr. James C. Ricketson was the first permanent treasurer. 
He desired the place and offered to serve the bank for one year without 
salary, which he did. He was the son of Barton Ricketson, a prominent 
merchant in this community. He served for six years when he resigned 
and went to Milwaukee. James C. Ricketson was a thorough sailor. He 
delighted in ships. When treasurer of the bank he devoted much of his 
time to designing and perfecting a patent windlass which he hoped would 
revolutionize old methods. In Milwaukee he was employed by E. B. 
Ward, whose large coal and iron business required much shipping. Mr. 
Ricketson managed the vessels and afterwards engaged largely and 
profitably in lake navigation. On his resignation as treasurer of the 
bank, his brother. Barton Ricketson, Jr., was elected and served for 
twenty-eight years. His successor, William H. Pitman, the present 
treasurer, who had been for twenty years or more previous in the Insti- 
tution for Savings, is now serving his twenty-eighth year as treasurer of 
the Five Cents Savings Bank. 

The Nezv Bedford Cooperative Bank — In 1877 the Legislature of Mas- 
sachusetts enacted a law establishing a system of "Cooperative Savings 
Fund and Loan As.sociations." The main purpose of this form of bank 
is to enable men of limited means to buy or build their own homes on the 
installment plan by easy monthly payments. It also enables a man to 
securely invest his savings by regular monthly deposits of a small 
amount. The capital of the bank is supplied by the deposits. Each 
share costs one dollar per month. In about twelve years a share matures 
when it reaches $200. A borrower takes a certain number of shares suffi- 
cient to meet his final payment on his house and gives a mortgage of the 



252 NEW BEDFORD 

house as security and then by deposits each month gradually pays the 
debt. These banks have been of great assistance to the community. 
Their aggregate assets in Massachusetts in 1915 were about $75,000,000. 
As Mr. Fisher, the treasurer of both the New Bedford Cooperative Bank 
and the Acushnet Cooperative Bank, in an admirably prepared printed 
statement says : These banks "are no longer experimental, and their 
importance as educators in prudence and thrift is apparent on every 
hand as we pass through the streets of our cities and towns, showing us 
the homes that have been obtained and owned by men of limited means 
through their connection with and membership in some cooperative 
bank. Thus we proclaim abroad our motto, 'The American Home the 
Safeguard of American Liberty'." 

The New Bedford Cooperative Bank was organized July 8, 1881, 
and commenced business in the following August. The first annual 
report in 1882 showed assets of $17,077.88, three hundred and eight mem- 
bers holding 1,813 shares. Twenty-two real estate loans amounting 
to $16,125. Three share loans amounting to $200. In October, 1916, the 
assets were $931,664.64. One thousand eight hundred and thirty-five 
shareholders holding 16,757 shares, four hundred and eight real estate 
loans amounting to $873,334.74. One hundred and six share loans 
amounting to $35,200. 

The Nczv Bedford Safe Deposit and Trust Comf'aiiy — For many years 
after the establishment of the national banks, there were practically no 
State banks. During the last quarter of the last century the need was 
felt for a form of bank which could exercise some of the functions prop- 
erly associated with a financial institution, which were denied to the 
national banks. So the modern trust company was devised and a few 
such institutions organized under special State charters. The New Bed- 
ford Safe Deposit and Trust Company was one of the earlier banks of 
this type. This form of bank has no right to issue circulation. It is 
empowered to use its depositors' money in forms of investment, espe- 
cially connected with real estate, which were not permitted to national 
banks. It can act more freely in certain financial undertakings. It can 
act as trustee for individuals under wills and other instruments. An 
organized department of safe deposit boxes in which the public could 
keep their securities upon payment of a rental, now largely adopted by 
all banks, was first developed under modern lines by the trust companies. 
The growth of this type of bank has been very great and now some of 
the most important banking institutions in the country are conducted 
under this system. 

The New Bedford Safe Deposit and Trust Company was organized 
under a special charter of the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Mas- 
sachusetts in 1887. The persons named as incorporators in the act of 
incorporation were: William D. Rowland, Abbott P. Smith, George F. 



NEW BEDFORD 253 

Tucker, Standish Bourne, Frederic Taber, Stephen A. Brownell, Gilbert 
D. King-man, Savory C. Hathaway, Lot B. Bates, Benjamin F. Brownell. 
.* The original capital was $100,000, since increased to $200,000. The 

management of the bank has been conservative, and has for the most 
part been largely devoted to the care of a considerable number of small 
deposits, on which a low rate of interest has been paid to the depositor. 
The bank now has deposits of over $2,000,000. The bank at its origin 
purchased the property at the northeast corner of Acushnet avenue and 
William street, which was then very far "up-town." Without moving 
its place of business it now finds itself distinctly "downtown." 

Charles E. Hendrickson, who had formerly been the cashier of the 
First National Bank of Fall River, was the first president. He was suc- 
ceeded in 1891 by John W. Macomber, the manager of the New Bedford 
Cordage Company, whose hearty and energetic manner many of us here 
can well remember. Mr. Macomber served eight years, and was suc- 
ceeded in 1899 by Frederic Taber, the present president. Edmund W. 
Bourne, a son of George A. Bourne, has been the only cashier of the 
bank, having served thirty years. This bank has lately lost by death a 
comparatively young man who is seriously missed not only by the bank, 
but by a wide circle of friends, Herbert C. Wilbor, the assistant cashier, 
fcrmerlv associated with the Mechanics' Bank. He was a bank man who 
was thoroughly well liked by all the officials of all the other banks. 

1 he Acushnet Cooperative Bank — This bank is similar in its purpose 
and has been under the same general supervision as the New Bedford 
Cooperative Bank, the same treasurer having acted for both banks. The 
Acushnet Cooperative Bank was organized November 12, 1889. and com- 
menced business November 16, 1889. Its first statement in 1890 showed 
assets of $17,479.35; 283 members holding 1,651 shares; 12 real estate 
loans. $12,875 '• 7 share loans, $465. The last statement of October, 1916, 
showed assets of $335,226.97; 1,370 shareholders holding 11,730 shares; 
264 real estate loans, $498,825 ; 64 share loans, $17,375. 

The Nezv Bedford Morris Plan Bank — In March, 1916, a Morris Plan 
Bank was incorporated under the laws of Massachusetts and organized 
in this city and has conducted business for one year in the Coffin build- 
ing on Pleasant street. Its capital is $100,000. The purpose of the bank 
is to make small loans to persons of small means who repay the same 
with moderate interest charges in fifty-two weekly payments. This insti- 
tution should prove a great benefaction to the community by rescuing 
the small borrower from the exorbitant charges of usurious loan com- 
panies which have heretofore been the only practical resource for the 
poor man who is temporarily compelled to borrow. That the bank is 
appreciated is evidenced by the fact that during its first year of business 
it has loaned $140,000 to one thousand borrowers. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 
Courts and Lawyers. 

According to a list supposedly correct published in 1767, there were 
only four lawyers in Bristol county, viz. : Hon. Samuel White, Robert T. 
Payne, Daniel Leonard and George Leonard, of Norton. There were 
added between the years 1767 and 1779, Edward Pope, Seth Bradford, 
Laben Wheaton and David Leonard Barnes, these four last named, with 
George Leonard, composing the Bristol county bar in 1779. The mem- 
bers of that bar, residents of New Bedford, who died or retired from 
practice between 1779 and 1834, were Peleg Sprague, John M. Williams, 
R. H. Williams, Thomas Hammond, James Washburn, John Nye and 
John S. Russell. In 1834 there were practicing at the Bristol county bar 
and resident in New Bedford the following: Lemuel Williams, Charles 
H. Warren, Timothy G. Coffin, W. J. A. Bradford, Ezra Bassett, John 
Burrage, Thomas D. Eliot, John H. Clifford, Oliver Prescott, and John 
H. W. Page. In this list are names famed in the records as lawyers, 
jurists and statesmen. 

All the sessions of the early county courts were held at Taunton, but 
in 1828 the Legislature created New Bedford a half shire town, and a 
local court was held in the old town hall on Second street. This bill 
passed the Senate on February 29, 1828, and the House on March 13, 
1828. The first term of the Court of Common Pleas held in the town of 
New Bedford was on Monday, June 9, 1828. Judge Williams presiding. 

Until the erection of a court house, all courts were held in the town 
hall. In June, 1828, the county commissioners purchased a lot of land 
as a site for the public county buildings, court house, jail, etc., embrac- 
ing an area of about an acre and a half. The jail building was the first 
to be completed, and was ready for service October 5, 1829, with Wil- 
liam S. Reed the first keeper of the jail. 

By a special act of the Legislature, passed January 25, 1834, a police 
court was established within and for the town of New Bedford. Na- 
thaniel S. Spooner was the first justice of this court. 

The Third District Court of Bristol County, Frank A. Milliken, ju.s- 
tice, sits in a new building on Pleasant street, corner of Spring, court 
being held on the morning of every week day, with the usual exceptions. 

The Superior Court for Civil Business holds regular terms in New 
Bedford, both with and without jury, as does the Superior Court for 
Criminal Business. 

A session of the Supreme Judicial Court meets at New Bedford for 
the counties of Bristol, Nantucket and Dukes. 

A Probate and an Insolvency Court also holds regular sessions in 
New Bedford. 



NEW BEDFORD 255 

Names that have long been honored in the law annals of New Bed- 
ford include justices of the Police and Third District courts, the former 
court abolished when the latter was established ; justices of the Court of 
Common Pleas ; judges of the Superior Court, New Bedford contributing 
from her sons two chief justices and three attorneys-general. 

One of the earliest county judges was Edward Pope, who was promi- 
nent in the affairs of New Bedford in the early part of the nineteenth 
century, a man of learning and natural ability. He was collector of the 
port when the custom house was located on Middle street, and was also 
a judge of the Court of Common Pleas. 

Perhaps the ablest lawyer of Southern Massachusetts in an earlier 
period was Timothy Gardner Coffin, born in Nantucket, in 1790, admitted 
to the bar in 181 1, began practice in New Bedford, and gained a wide 
reputation in Bristol, Nantucket, Dukes, Barnstable and Plymouth coun- 
ties. He devoted himself exclusively to the profession, eschewed politics, 
and never held an office of importance. He seemed to grasp every point 
on either side of a case, was strong in argument and so brilliant in ques- 
tioning and cross-questioning that it was an impossibility to evade him. 

Charles H. Warren was a brilliant lawyer and able advocate, district 
attorney for several years prior to 1836, and later a judge of Common 
Pleas. 

Ezra Bassett came to New Bedford in 1834, practicing until his 
death in 1843. His law library was the largest in the city at that time. 

Horace Gray Otis Colby, a graduate of Brov^'n College, 1823, studied 
law in New Bedford under Timothy G. Coffin, and was admitted to the 
bar in 1830. He practiced in Taunton until 1838, then settled in New 
Bedford, formed a partnership with John H. Clifford, and rose to high 
professional renown as a learned and painstaking lawyer. When ap- 
pointed a judge of the Court of Common Pleas, he gave satisfaction, but 
he disliked the bench, and in 1847 he resigned to resume practice. He 
was district attorney, 1849-185 1 ; represented both Taunton and New 
Bedford in the Legislature ; and was captain of the New Bedford Guards, 
1840-45. 

Thomas Dawes Eliot was a graduate of Columbia College, District 
of Columbia, 1825; and completed his studies in New Bedford under 
Judge Charles A. Warren, with whom he later became a partner. He 
became celebrated in the litigation between the two branches of the 
Society of Friends, involving the title to their meeting houses in Massa- 
chusetts and Rhode Island. He also figured in contests in this county, 
where he upheld the chartered powers of the Massachusetts Medical 
Society in issues raised by homoeopathic physicians. His practice 
was very large, and he twice declined appointment to the bench. He 
served in the Massachusetts Legislature, declined to enter State or 
National politics, but allowed his name to be used as a candidate for an 



256 NEW BEDFORD 

unfinished Congressional term. He was elected as a Whig, but when 
that party gave up the ghost he aided in organizing the Republican party, 
calling and organizing the first meeting of the new party ever held in 
Bristol county. He was again elected to Congress from the First Dis- 
trict, serving until 1869, when he refused to again be a candidate. He 
was a deeply religious man, always ready with good words and as ready 
with good works. For years he was superintendent of the Unitarian 
Sunday school, and his services as president of the National Conference 
of Unitarian Churches and also of the American Unitarian Association 
were invaluable. Better than his triumphs at the bar or the honors won 
in politics is the simple record of his unselfish Christian life. 

Oliver Prescott, upon first coming to New Bedford after graduation 
from Harvard, class of 1828, taught in Friends' Academy. Later he 
studied law, and in 1832 was admitted to the bar. In 1835 he was ap- 
pointed judge of probate for Bristol county, and in 1846 judge of the 
New Bedford Police Court. In 1858 the probate judgeship was abolished 
and that of probate and insolvency created, whereupon he resigned the 
police judgeship to continue as probate and insolvency judge. For fifty- 
eight years he was in the public eye as a professional man, and won a 
reputation as honorable as it was long. He was rated one of the very 
best probate judges in the State, and an authority on probate procedure. 
After his death in New Bedford, June 11, 1890, aged eighty-four, every 
honor was paid his memory by his professional brethren. 

George Marston, a graduate of Harvard Law School, was admitted 
to the bar in 1845, ^nd removed to New Bedford in 1869, having previ- 
ously been elected district attorney. After the death of Joshua C. Stone, 
the firm of Marston & Crapo succeeded the firm of Stone & Crapo. In 
1879 ^^ was elected Attorney-General of the State, resigning his ofifice of 
district attorney of the southern district to accept. He was three times 
reelected, serving continuously until 1882, when he declined renomina- 
tion and returned to private practice as senior of the firm of Marston & 
Cobb. He was a wonderful prosecuting attorney, rarely equalled, but 
equally great as a lawyer and business man. He was president of the 
Nantucket & Cape Cod Steamboat Company, and had other important 
relations with the business world. He died in New Bedford, August 14, 
1883. 

Lincoln Flagg Brigham graduated from Dartmouth College in 1842, 
then entered Harvard Law School, but in January, 1844, came to New 
Bedford, studied under CliflFord & Colby, and in 1845 was admitted to 
the bar, becoming a law partner with John H. Cliflford the same year. 
His partner became Governor of Massachusetts in 1853, and soon after- 
ward Governor Clififord appointed his former partner district attorney 
for the southern district. That ofifice Mr. Brigham held by appointment 
and election until appointed Associate Justice of the newly-formed Su- 



NEW BEDFORD 257 

perior Court. On January 28, 1869, he was appointed Chief Justice of 
the Superior Court by Governor William Chaflin, the vacancy created by 
the elevation of Chief Justice Seth Ames to the Supreme Judicial Court. 
He retired from public life in 1890. 

Robert C. Pitman was born in New Bedford, came to the bar in 
1847, ^"d for a number of years was a law partner of Thomas Dawes 
Eliot. In 1858 he was appointed judge of the Police Court, holding until 
1864, becoming a judge of the Superior Court in 1869. During this inter- 
val he was a State Senator. After his elevation to the Superior bench he 
retired from politics and gave himself wholly to his duties as a jurist 
until his death in March, 1891. 

Edwin L. Barney was an old-school lawyer, born in Swansea, April 
I, 1827. He attended Brown University and Yale University Law 
School, completing his studies with Timothy G. Coffin. He was admit- 
ted to the bar in October, 1850. He was State Senator two years, city 
solicitor for a number of years, and judge advocate on Governor Butler's 
stafif. 

Thomas M. Stetson was born June 15, 1830, the son of Rev. Caleb 
Stetson, of Medford. He graduated from Harvard in 1849, and studied 
law at the Dane Law School, Cambridge. In 1854 he was admitted to 
the bar and entered the law office of Lemuel Williams and Judge Charles 
Henry Warren. Later he became a member of the firm of Eliot, Pit- 
man & Stetson. Mr. Stetson conducted many famous cases and was con- 
nected with the trial of the Sylvia Ann Howland will case, having charge 
of the preparation of the expert testimony bearing upon the alleged 
forged signature, a case the most famous in all legal history. Mr. Stet- 
son married Catherine Dawes Eliot, a daughter of Thomas Dawes Eliot. 

Hosea M. Knowlton brought much prestige to the New Bedford 
bar a quarter of a century ago. He was a Tufts graduate, and later be- 
came a member of the firm of Barney & Knowlton. He was for many 
years district attorney, and achieved national fame as the prosecuting 
attorney in the case of Lizzie E. Borden, of Fall River, who was tried 
and acquitted of the murder of her father and stepmother. Mr. Knowl- 
ton was Attorney-General of the Commonwealth for several terms. 

Lemuel Le B. Holmes was born at Rochester, July 26, 1853. He 
studied law with Thomas M. Stetson, and was admitted to the bar in 
1875. Later he became a member of the law firm of Stetson & Greene. 
He was city solicitor for many years, then district attorney, and was 
finally appointed a judge of the Superior Court, a position he held at the 
time of his death a few years ago. 

Many lawyers of the present and previous generation will be found 
of record elsewhere in these volumes, many of them measuring up to the 
high standard set by those whose lives have been noted. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 
The Medical Profession. 

The Massachusetts Medical Society was formed in 1781, with power 
to elect officers, examine and license candidates for practice, hold real 
estate "and continue as a body politic and corporate by the same name 
forever." The society includes seventeen district societies, all of which 
are under the control of the parent society, but independent in govern- 
ment and regulation, if not contrary to the by-laws of the general society. 

One of these district societies is the Bristol South District Medical 
Society, chartered by the parent society April 3, 1839, under the name 
of Southern District Medical Society. Later this name was changed to 
the present form, and its members made to include fellows of the parent 
society residing within the limits of New Bedford, Fall River, W'estport, 
Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Middleborough, Tisbury and Chilmark. 

The records of the Bristol South District Medical Society are incom- 
plete, but the following physicians, resident in New Bedford, were mem- 
bers of the Massachusetts Medical Society prior to the formation of the 
local society: Samuel Perry, 1803; Alexander Read, 1816; Paul Spooner, 
1821 ; William C. Whitridge, 1822; Andrew Mackie, 1824; Julius S. May- 
hew, 1830; Jeremiah Stone, 1831; Lyman Bartlett, 1833; William A. 
Gordon, 1835; Thomas P. Wells, 1836: William R. Wells, 1838. 

In speaking of the early literature of New Bedford, William Logan 
Fisher says: "The Medical literature previous to the present century 
was mostly confined to Ebenezer Perry, the only physician of the place. 
About the year 1795 his charge for a visit was sixpence, and thus he 
kept all other physicians at a distance. An English lady who was under 
treatment at this time was so much surprised at the smallness of his 
charge that she requested she might be furnished with the particulars of 
the bill, that she might take it to England. After this the doctor raised 
his fee to one shilling per visit. He was a good plain, practical physician, 
and an honest man." 

The first physician of record in the town of Dartmouth was Dr. 
Benjamin Burg, who died September 18, 1748, aged forty. Dr. Daniel 
Hathaway was also an early physician, beginning practice in Dartmouth 
soon after the death of Dr. Burg, and continuing until his death in 1772. 
Dr. Elisha Tobey, another of the olden-time, well-known physicians, 
died May 10, 1781. His residence was the old gambrel-roofed house in 
the north part of Acushnet Village. Dr. Samuel Perry died April 15, 
1805, aged seventy-four, had his home near Acushnet Village. His son. 
Dr. Samuel, died at the home of Judge Edward Pope, in New Bedford, 
October 26, 1820, aged fifty-seven. Dr. Ebenezer Perry, previously 



NEW BEDFORD 259 

referred to, another son of Dr. Samuel Perry, died of apoplexy in New 
Bedford, March 18, 1822. He had a large practice, the smallness of his 
charges counting for less than the appreciation in which he was held as a 
skilled physician and an honorable man. Dr. Samuel West, born June 
12, 1774, died June 15, 1838, was a man of prominence and true worth, 
excelling as a physician. 

Dr. William Gushing Whitridge was a highly educated physician, 
who came to New Bedford in 1822, after a successful professional career 
in his native Tiverton, Rhode Island. He continued in New Bedford 
until his death, December 28, 1857, aged seventy-four, having the largest 
consulting practice of any physician in the city. His father was eminent 
in the medical profession, as well as his two brothers, Dr. Joshua R. 
Whitridge, of Charleston, South Carolina, and Dr. John Whitridge, of 
Baltimore, Maryland. 

Dr. Alexander Read, a graduate of Dartmouth, class of 1808, came 
to New Bedford in 181 1, soon gaining an honored position and an influ- 
ential clientele. He was ardent in the pursuit of knowledge, and freely 
gave of his learning to others. A course of lectures on botany and chem- 
istry gained him wide reputation and many friends, although his skill as 
surgeon and physician was his great recommendation. He studied much, 
but published little, the results of his study and experience being given 
by word of mouth to his professional brethren, by whom he was much 
sought in consultation. He was a devoted Christian, having the most 
reverent regard for the Bible. 

Dr. Elijah Colby came to New Bedford in 1830, and here died Au- 
gust 30, 1856, practicing until the last hours, prescribing for a patient at 
three in the afternoon, when the shadow of death was already upon him. 
He was a graduate of Dartmouth, class of 1821, a gentleman in deport- 
ment, an excellent and honorable physician, never known to speak a 
cross or impatient word to any one, and a man greatly beloved. 

Dr. Julius Stewart Mayhew came to New Bedford a young man, 
and taught school and gave singing lessons until entering Harvard Medi- 
cal School. He came from a family of physicians, there having been a 
Dr. Mayhew in each generation of his ancestry. He first located in Fair- 
haven, but moved to New Bedford, April 20, 1829, was admitted a fellow 
of the Massachusetts Medical Society in 1830, and practiced successfully 
until his death, September 20, 1859, aged seventy-two. He was the first 
or one of the first to vote the Abolition ticket in New Bedford ; was a foe 
to oppression of all kinds, and in his manners a perfect example of the 
gentleman so often referred to as one of "the old school." 

Dr. Paul Spooner opened an office in New Bedford in 1807, and for 
half a century practiced his profession, being most successful in mater- 
nity cases, having as extensive a practice in that branch as any physi- 



26o NEW BEDFORD 

cian in New England of his day. He died July i8, 1862, aged seventy- 
sixth, sixth child of Seth and Patience (Pierce) Spooner, of Fairhaven. 

Dr. Lyman Bartlett, born in Conway, New Hampshire, and educated 
in Paris, France, came to New Bedford in 1835, and practiced until his 
death at his residence on County street, June 6, 1865. 

Dr. Andrew Mackie, son of Dr. Andrew Mackie, of Wareham, Mas- 
sachusetts, and grandson of Dr. John Mackie, of Southampton, Long 
Island, was graduated from Brown College in 1815, studied medicine 
under his father and elder brother. Dr. John Mackie, of Providence, and 
at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. He practiced 
in Plymouth and New Bedford ; was twice elected vice-president of the 
Massachusetts Medical Society ; was a deacon of the North Congrega- 
tional Church ; and for one half a century was a striking example of the 
conscientious Christian professional man and citizen. He died in New 
Bedford, May 2, 1871. 

Dr. John H. Mackie, son of Dr. Andrew and Hetty Amelia (Brad- 
ford) Mackie, was a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania, class of 1850, and the same year began practice in New 
Bedford. He was an acting surgeon during the Civil War; quarantine 
physician and active in the organization of New Bedford's first Board of 
Health in 1879, and for many years was consulting physician to St. 
Joseph's Hospital. He became a member of the Massachusetts Medical 
Society in 1850; was one of the society's councilors for many years ; was 
chosen its representative to the meetings of the State Medical societies 
of neighboring States ; was a delegate to the International Congress of 
1876: was anniversary chairman the same year, and presided at the 
annual dinner of the society given in Music Hall, Boston. He was vice- 
president of the State Medical Society in 1882; president of the Bristol 
South District Society in 1863 and 1864, and president of the New Bed- 
ford Society for Medical Improvement in 1882. Dr. Mackie died in New 
Bedford, March 5, 1891. 

Dr. William A. Gordon, born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, was 
a son of William and Helen Gordon ; his mother was born in Scotland. 
He was graduated from Harvard College, class of 1826, aged eighteen, 
and three years later received his M. D. from Harvard Medical School. 
He practiced medicine in Taunton, Massachusetts, until December, 1839, 
then moved to New Bedford, where he died of heart disease, January 14, 
1887. He practiced continuously until 1877, then moved to his farm in 
Dartmouth, there remaining until 1885, before returning to New Bed- 
ford. He joined the Massachusetts Medical Society in 1835, and was a 
councilor ; was president of the Bristol South District Medical Society 
one term and treasurer several terms. His paper on "Puerperal Ta- 
tanus," read before the local society, was so highly regarded that it was 
published later by the "American Journal of Medical Science." He was 



NEW BEDFORD 261 

one of the executors and a large legatee under the will of Sylvia Ann 
Rowland, which litigation over probate brought into such prominence. 

Dr. Charles Lamson Swasey was born in Limerick, Maine, Decem- 
ber 14, 1815, died in New Bedford, December 24, 1888. He was awarded 
his M. D. by Bowdoin College Medical School, class of 1838, and from 
the period 1850-1860 practiced in New Bedford until his death. He was 
a member of the Board of Health, quarantine physician, and member of 
the school committee. He was well versed in natural history and was a 
strong believer in evolution. 

Dr. William Howland Taylor was a native son of New Bedford, 
born November 28, 1853, and a graduate of the high school. He studied 
medicine under Drs. A. Cornish and George T. Hough, attended lec- 
tures at Harvard Medical School, then entered New York University 
Medical College, and in 1876 was graduated with honors, taking the 
Loomis prize for "Theory and Practice of Medicine." After receiving his 
M. D. he spent a year and a half in work at Bellevue Hospital, New 
York City, after which he returned to New Bedford and began private 
practice. He was a member of the Bristol South District Society, and 
one time secretary ; president of the New Bedford Society for Medical 
Improvement ; succeeded Dr. Henry Johnson as medical examiner of the 
Third Bristol District ; was a member of the Massachusetts Medico- 
Legal Society, and of the New York Medico-Legal Society. He con- 
tributed to the "Boston Medical and Surgical Journal" in 1883, in 1885 
and 1886, three articles which attracted widespread attention. He was 
recognized as one of the most skillful of the younger physicians of the 
city, and was highly esteemed socially, particularly in the musical soci- 
eties. He died July 20, 1891, aged thirty-seven years. 

Dr. William C. N. Swift, who died a few years ago, was a son of 
William C. N. Swift. He was a Harvard man, and did the city distin- 
guished service as one of the founders of St. Luke's Hospital. It was 
through Dr. Swift's efforts that the hospital attained the highest reputa- 
tion from the outset. Dr. Swift married a daughter of Francis Hatha- 
way. 

Physicians of later days have been eminent practitioners of the pro- 
fession which comes so closely into the homes and hearts of the people 
and are indelibly enrolled upon the medical roll of fame. Many biogra- 
phies of these physicians of the past and present will be found elsewhere 
in this work. In the struggles the city has had in the past to enforce 
sanitary regulations and conserve the public health, the medical fra- 
ternity have led the attack and have always thrown their influence to 
establish precautionary measures. Their self-sacrificing devotion has 
been proved in times of epidemic and public trial. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

The Post Office. 

A post office was first established in New Bedford in 1794, with Wil- 
liam Tobey as the first postmaster, the office being located in the old 
Tobey house, a two-story wooden building on the corner of Purchase 
and Union streets. Mails were received and dispatched once a week by 
stage, postage in those days being so expensive that only the most 
urgent matter was sent through the mails. In 1806, with the appoint- 
ment of William Smith as postmaster, the office was removed to a build- 
ing on Middle street, two doors east of what is now the corner of Water 
street, the custom house being in the same building. The entire post 
office plant occupied but a small room, and when the stage arrived the 
postmaster would call out the name of persons having letters, and if they 
were present they would make themselves known and receive their mail. 
Neither envelopes nor stamps were then known, the postage being usually 
paid by recipient of the letters. The rate from Boston was ten cents on 
letters, and on a weekly newspaper about one dollar and a half yearly. 
The postage on a letter from New York was eighteen and three-quarters 
cents, and from Philadelphia twenty-five cents. But comparatively few 
letters paid these rates in the early days, the custom being to send them 
in care of a friend or even a stranger who happened to be making a trip 
by stage or boat. Often the traveler was overburdened with letters, but 
the utmost good nature prevailed, the custom being a matter of courtesy 
among merchants and townsmen. Even as late as 1847 this custom pre- 
vailed, and not until the rates of postage began to decline did the mails 
come into general use. It was in this old post office and custom house 
building at what is now No. 43 Middle street that Captain Isaac West 
took out his protection papers before sailing on his first voyage in May, 
1821. In 1826 the post office came under the charge of Richard Wil- 
liams, a son-in-law of Abraham Smith, and during his administration a 
penny post was established. That system was inaugurated February 2, 
1832, and under its provisions the recipients of mail matter could have 
their letters delivered by paying an additional two cents. It was at 
about this time that the post office was removed from Middle street to a 
small wood building on Union street, just east of the Tallman block. 
There it remained until the completion of the United States custom 
house building in 1836, when it was removed to that building and for 
over half a century there remained. On April i, 1893, the new Govern- 
ment building at the corner of Acushnet avenue and William street was 
completed. That building, especially designed for post office purposes, 
was modernly fitted for the purpose intended and cost the Government 




!•( .ST ol'-I'MC'l': 




lUSTKIC'l' I'Ml-K-l' lliilSI-;. 



NEW BEDFORD 263 

$100,000, exclusive of the land. That building met the demands of the 
service until September 13, 1915, when the present building, a model of 
architectural beauty without and a model of light, ventilation and con- 
venience within, was first occupied. The site for the building cost 
$125,000; the completed building, $287,964.15. 

On June 20, 1840, Simeon Bailey was appointed postmaster, Edward 
W. Green suceeding him June 13, 1845, Simeon Bailey returning to the 
post June 1849. Thomas Coggeshall succeeded him December 30, 1852, 
serving until June 8, 1853, when Joseph C. Kent was commissioned. 
John Eraser was the next postmaster, serving from April 6, 1857, Cyrus 
W. Chapman succeeding him April 16, 1861. At that time the old- 
fashioned penny post system prevailed, but Postmaster Chapman, to ex- 
pedite collections, on September 2, 1861, placed walnut boxes in the drug 
stores of Thorton & Gerrish, P. S. Cad well and Elijah H. Chisholm, 
which with the private box in the Parker House were collected from by 
the mail messenger to and from the railroad station. This system was 
continued until July i, 1863, when free delivery was ordered for the city, 
that system going into efTect the following August i. Tin boxes took the 
place of the wooden ones supplied by Postmaster Chapman and boxes 
were placed on the streets about April, 1866, to be superseded in 1867 by 
the iron boxes. Postmaster Chapman received great credit for the im- 
provements made during his term, public and press uniting in his praise. 

When the free delivery was established, David Wood and James F. 
Tripp, who had been penny post carriers, were appointed United States 
letter carriers, and it is said that their pay was so small that many of 
their old customers continued the payment of two cents to them for 
every letter delivered. In April, 1866, still under Postmaster Chapman, 
five carriers were employed, one of whom collected the tin boxes and 
assisted in delivering mails, but the old-time habit of calling at the post 
office was strong and many were slow to accept the carriers' servrce. 
On November 5, 1864, the money order system was established, Thomas 
Coggeshall, assistant postmaster, filling out the first order, issuing it to 
Samuel Rodman for the sum of $4.25. 

Edmund Anthony was appointed postmaster February 3, 1870; 
Thomas Coggeshall, March i, 1876, and reappointed March 17, 1880, his 
term of service as assi.stant and postmaster extending over a period of 
fifty-three years. It was during his term that the number of carriers 
was increased to seven, and the post office which had been operated at 
a loss for the five years 1875-1880 began a period of expansion. The first 
postal note was issued by Mr. Coggeshall in September, 1883, to Alfred 
Wilson, an employe of the post office for thirty-seven years, for the sum 
of ten cents. Albert H. W. Carpenter was the next postmaster, appointed 
April 9. 1887, he succeeded by Charles H. Gilford, April 9, 1889. During 
Mr. Giliford's administration President Harrison on January 5, 1893, 



264 NEW BEDFORD 

placed all free delivery offices in the classified postal service, and in com- 
pliance with that order a board of civil service examiners was appointed, 
consisting of Humphrey A. Gifford, chairman ; S. S. Taber, secretary, and 
William D. Wilson. Since that time the office has been under civil serv- 
ice rules. 

Charles S. Ashley was appointed postmaster February i, 1894, he 
being succeeded by David L. Parker, October i, 1897. When he took the 
office there were twenty-eight carriers employed ; ten stamp agencies 
were established in as many drug stores in different parts of the city ; 
one hundred and forty letter boxes were in position in the city, with four- 
teen newspaper and package collection boxes. Postmaster Parker was 
succeeded in 1902 by John DufT, who served until 1911, he by Frank C. 
Barrows, he on March i, 191 5, by George L. Olivier, the present incum- 
bent, the first to occupy the postmaster's room in the new building. The 
present assistant postmaster is Andrew J. W. McAvoy, appointed Janu- 
ary 16, 191 1, who had been connected with the office since 1888 in differ- 
ent capacities. Fifty-nine carriers are regularly employed, with seven- 
teen substitute carriers, under Frederick T. Almy, foreman. Forty-one 
regular clerks and eleven substitutes handle the mails and business of 
the office. The postal receipts for the year ending December 31, 1916, 
were $207,763.47. 

Some interesting facts have been preserved concerning some of these 
old postmasters. William Tobey, the first man to hold the office, was a 
son of the well-known medical practitioner of that day. Dr. Elisha Tobey, 
a graduate of Harvard College. He held the office twelve years, then in 
1806 resigned. 

Abraham Smith, the second postmaster, held the office twenty years, 
1806-1826. He was born in Dartmouth, a member of the Society of 
Friends, a descendant of John Smith, who settled in the town in 1652. 
He learned the blacksmith trade and in course of time built and occupied 
the house at No. 43 Middle street, in which his home and the post office 
were located. His blacksmith shop was upon present Centre street, near 
Water street, and there six of his sons learned their father's trade. Dur- 
ing the year 1776 Abraham Smith located near Boston, and as the record 
reads, "assisting or fitting warlike implements and contributing money 
towards the building of a Fort." He "justified" his conduct in so doing 
and was disowned by the Society of Friends. It is believed that the 
position of postmaster continued to him through so many years as a 
recognition from the government of his interest and services during the 
Revolutionary War. 

The third postmaster, Richard Williams, was a son-in-law of his 
predecssor, Abraham Smith. He was a master mariner until his appoint- 
ment by President Adams in 1826. He held the office for fourteen years 
until succeeded in 1840 by Simeon Bailey, a great-great-grandson of the 



NEW BEDFORD 265 

noted Indian fighter Captain Benjamin Church and a descendant of Rich- 
ard Warren, of the "Mayflower." He served under two appointments, 
Edward W. Greene coming between his first and second terms. He was 
a most kindly hearted man and greatly enjoyed a pinch of snuflf with a 
chosen friend. He was a Whig in politics, of high social standing, genial, 
affable nature, a deacon of the Unitarian church for many years, and a 
general favorite. He died June 24, 1855. 

Dr. Edward W. Greene was a Rhode Island man, of Quaker parent- 
age, whose drug store at the corner of Union and Water streets, Greene, 
Clifford & Company, was the Democratic rallying point, and the scene 
of many wordy political battles. He was appointed in 1845 by the Demo- 
cratic President, James K. Polk, succeeding Mr. Bailey, who in turn suc- 
ceeded him in 1849. After retiring Dr. Greene returned to his native 
Rhode Island, where he died some years later. 

Thomas Coggeshall, father of Thomas Coggeshall, superintendent 
of the water department, was assistant postmaster and postmaster for 
fifty-three years, being first appointed postmaster to fill the vacancy 
caused by the resignation of Mr. Bailey through ill health. He was 
removed by President Pierce, again becoming assistant under his suc- 
cessor, Joseph C. Kent. After the death of Postmaster Anthony in 1876, 
Mr. Coggeshall was appointed by President Grant to fill the vacancy and 
reappointed by Presidents Hayes and Arthur, holding until 1887, when 
removed by President Cleveland. Alfred Wilson was then assistant and 
went out of office with his chief on appointment of A. H. W. Carpenter. 

Joseph C. Kent was a native son of Rhode Island, son of Rev. Asa 
and Abigail (Chaffee) Kent. He was a skilled cabinetmaker and later 
an architect, serving as quartermaster of the Second Regiment Massa- 
chusetts Militia in 1832, with the rank of lieutenant, and in 1833 was aide- 
de-camp to General James D. Thomas, New Bedford's grand old military 
man. He was appointed postmaster by President Pierce in June, 1853, 
during a recess of Congress, and was not confirmed until February 23, 
1854. In 1863 he moved to Long Island, but about 1870 returned to New 
Bedford, where he died February 22, 1875. 

John Eraser, who served from 1857 to 1861 was born at Maidstone, 
England, September 22, 1810, son of Major John Fraser, an officer of 
the British army, who died from the effects of a wound received at the 
battle of Waterloo. At the time of his father's death he was attending 
a military school in England, intending to enter the army as a profes- 
sion, but his plans were completely changed by Major Eraser's death, 
although the son never lost the military bearing acquired during his 
years of early training. In New Bedford he was highly esteemed as a 
man of high unswerving character, loyal to principle, of great geniality 
of manner and kindliness of heart. Thoroughly unselfish, his great pleas- 
ure was to make others happy and he assisted many young men in their 



266 NEW BEDFORD 

first struggles for a foothold in the business world. He died in New 
York City, his residence for more than thirty years, September 27, 1894. 

Colonel Cyrus Chapman, born in Winsor, Massachusetts, in Decem- 
ber, 1813, came to New Bedford about 1835 and became a very success- 
ful merchant tailor. First a Democrat, then a "Free Soiler," he finally 
became an ardent Republican, held various positions under the city gov- 
ernment, served as one of Governor Boutwell's aides and at one time was 
a member of the State Legislature. He was appointed postmaster in 
April, 1861, and held the office nine years, retiring in 1870, and removing 
to Boston, where he died in October, 1888. 

Probably no better known man ever filled the office than Edmund 
Anthony, appointed February 3, 1870, who died in office January 24, 
1876. He was born in Somerset, Massachusetts, entered the office of 
the "Columbian Reporter" at Taunton, Massachusetts, at age sixteen, re- 
maining there seven years, until 1831, then founding the "Taunton Inde- 
pendent Gazette," which remained under his management with a change 
of name until 1850. He was town clerk of Taunton, 1835-1845; town 
treasurer, 1838-1844, and treasurer of Bristol county for several years. 
In 1850 he located in New Bedford, establishing the "Standard," which 
paper and the "Mercury" are the only survivors of the early journals. 
For a long time he was the only patron of the Associated Press in south- 
ern Massachusetts, papers of Fall River and Taunton receiving the dis- 
patches largely through the enterprise of the "Standard." A fearless edi- 
torial writer, strong in his convictions, clear and outspoken where prin- 
ciple was involved, he made the "Standard" a power, as it yet is, edited by 
sons of the founder, as E. Anthony & Sons. He was deputy collector of 
internal revenue during the war period ; member of common council, 
1856-57 and 1859-60; special justice of the police court twelve years, until 
1870, on being appointed postmaster by President Grant. He was a 
devoted Methodist, belonging to the County street congregation, which 
he served as steward and trustee. His sons, Edmund and Benjamin, be- 
came his partners in 1863, and upon them he impressed the principles 
which guided his own business life, personal application and oversight. 

Albert H. W. Carpenter was a native son of Vermont, his father 
Gideon, a resident of Middlebury, but on his mother's side he traced to 
the old Morton family of Middleboro, Massachusetts. He first settled in 
New Bedford in April, 1854, and for fifteen years was employed as a 
cutter by Daniel C. Allen, a merchant tailor. He spent the next year in 
Middleboro, returned to New Bedford in 1870, there engaging in busi- 
ness for himself. He was appointed postmaster by President Cleveland 
in April, 1887, held four years, then engaged in the insurance business. 
He was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity and is a past 
master of Star of the East Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons ; past high 



NEW BEDFORD 267 

priest of Adoniram Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; past commander of 
Sutton Commandery, Knights Templar. 

It was through the efforts of Charles H. Gifford, who succeeded Mr. 
Carpenter, that the first separate post office building was erected, 
although his term expired so soon after the building was completed that 
he only enjoyed the new quarters for about a year. After leaving the 
post office in 1894 he became a member of the Massachusetts State Gas 
Commission. 

Charles S. Ashley, a native son of New Bedford, held the office from 
February i, 1894, to January, 1897, being appointed by President Cleve- 
land. He is one of the best known officials of his city now (1917) serv- 
ing his fifth term as mayor, resigning from the postmastership in 1897 to 
accept that office. He also served the city as councilman several terms, is 
a member of many fraternal, social and business organizations, and his 
fearless, public spirit and generous nature attract a host of friends. 

David L. Parker, who filled the office from 1897 until 1902, was a 
coal dealer of New Bedford, a member of the first board of public works 
and twice mayor of the city prior to his appointment as postmaster. He 
was succeeded by John DufT, he by Frank C. Barrows, he by the present 
incumbent, George Louis Olivier, who will appear elsewhere in this work. 




CHAPTER XXXV. 
Custom House History. 

The New Bedford Custom House is a stone structure with a 
portico, stone pillared, which was in conformity with the colonial motif 
of the architecture of the old town. It was built about the year 1830, 
and has a spiral staircase of stone, of a type of construction which 
makes it one of the architectural curiosities of the country. There is 
one similar staircase in the custom house at Newburyport, built at about 
the same period. 

The Custom House in New Bedford was one of the first established 
in the United States, having been created in 1789. The first collector 
was Col. Edward Pope, for whom Pope's Island was named. He was 
for a time judge of the Court of Common Pleas. His residence was 
upon Main street, at the corner of North Sixth. "As remembered by the 
writer in his boyhood," wrote Daniel Ricketson, "this old fashioned 
mansion, stable, carriage house, front yard and large garden in the rear, 
(soon after the decease of this gentleman) somewhat in a state of 
dilapidation, was to him one of the most attractive places in the village. 
At this time it was occupied by the widow of Judge Pope and her son, 
Thomas Pope. Among the earliest visits the writer made, and which 
were continued for several years, were those upon this old lady and 
her sister known as 'Aunt Bell.' Accustomed only to the plain and 
simple colors of the Quakers, he remembers the strong impression made 
upon him by the black gowns and black ribbons around the caps of 
those genteel old ladies. Their manners were peculiarly Bostonian 
and of the old school : but exceedingly agreeable, intelligent and well- 
educated ladies were they. Their maiden name was Greenleaf ; that of 
Mrs. Pope, Elizabeth. She was the second wife of Judge Pope and the 
widow of Samuel Eliot of Boston. The late William Eliot, of Washing- 
ton, the father of Hon. T. D. Eliot, of this city and Rev. William G. 
Eliot, of St. Louis, was the child of his first marriage. In the rear of 
this old mansion, which extended a great length to the northward, was 
a lumber-room, filled with all manner of rubbish, old papers, books, and 
furniture. There appeared to the youthful mind of the writer a sort of 
legendary character attached to this place. He remembers the great 
satisfaction he felt while rummaging about with a grandson of Judge 
Pope, and on one of their searches of discovering a strange piece of 
furniture which, for a long time, was a great wonder to them, but which 
they at last ascertained to be a musical instrument, one of the 
predecessors of the pianoforte, a Harpsichord. This was undoubtedly 
the instrument upon which the Misses Greenleaf charmed their adoring 




THK CUSTI UM 111 H'SIO. 



NEW BEDFORD 269 

"Strephons,' prior to the days of the Revolution." The old homestead 
of the Pope family was upon the east side of the Acushnet river, a 
quarter of a mile below the Friends Meeting House. Col. Pope died 
at his home on Main street, June 10, 1818, aged seventy-eight years. 

Col. Pope held the office of collector between the years 1789 and 
1801. Following him was Isaiah Weston, from 1801 to 1814, and John 
Hawes from 1814 to 1823. Then Russell Freeman enjoyed the office 
until 1829. He was an uncle of Col. Fessenden, a collector of a later 
generation. 

In 1829 Lemuel Williams went in for a term of eight years. At 
the time, party politics ran high and there was great contest over 
political plums. In the campaign for the appointment, Williams and 
Freeman came to blows on the street. During Mr. Williams' incumb- 
ency, in 1836, the present custom house was built. 

When Williams went out, Robert S. Smith went in to stay two 
years. His accounts became tangled and he disappeared in a cloud 
of suspicion. By curious evolution he became, later, head waiter at 
the Adams House in Boston. 

William H. Allen, father of John A. P. Allen, was collector from 
1841 to 1843. It was during his term of office James Taylor made his 
first appearance at the custom house. Mr. Taylor's father, William H. 
Taylor, had been deputy collector under Lemuel Williams, and he 
gave up the position in 1843 to accept the secretaryship of the Mutual 
Marine Insurance Company. Francis Stoddard, of Fairhaven then be- 
came deputy. 

William H. Allen, an ardent Whig, received his appointment from 
the first President Harrison. When John Tyler succeeded Harrison, 
Collector Allen was asked to leave his work at the custom house, for 
very evident reasons. This was in 1843. Then occurred a peculiar 
incident. In September, 1843, Rodney French walked into the custom 
house with an appointment signed by President Tyler. He was a man 
who figured conspicuously in almost every department of the city's 
history. He was exceedingly versatile, and as events proved, too 
versatile in politics to hold the collector's chair. He was supposedly 
a Democrat, and also a Free Soiler, and an anti-slave expounder; he 
was, in the political parlance of the time, a "Black Republican." It is 
safe to believe that Tyler did not know of this when the appointment 
was issued, and it was about three months before he found it out. 
The president lost enthusiasm for his appointment, and the Senate re- 
fused to confirm him. 

Strange as it may seem for some time thereafter the office went 
begging, and nobody seemed to care for the handsome perquisites. Then 
there appeared on the scene, Lieutenant Josiah Sturgis He was a 
lieutenant commander in the United States revenue marine service and 



270 NEW BEDFORD 

was then stationed at this port on board the cutter McLane. In the 
collector's room at the custom house there were several relics of Lieu- 
tenant Sturgis, among them two portraits, one a silhouette, where the 
lieutenant is represented in an absurdly tall beaver hat and wide-skirted 
coat. There is also a pamphlet containing a "brief sketch"' of his life, 
and a letter expressing the "unaffected regret'' of the citizens of New 
Bedford at his leaving after five years residence among them. This last 
is valuable in its way as it contains the signatures of forty prominent 
people, living in 1838. 

'Lieutenant Strugis's scheme was to import a collector. This was his 
friend, Joseph T. Adams, who lived in Washington. He was a corres- 
pondent of a Boston paper and a friend of "Bobby" Tyler, the presi- 
dent's son. It was a matter of a short time to secure his appointment, 
and in a few months after Rodney French's retirement. Lieutenant 
Sturgis had the satisfaction of placing his friend Adams in the collec- 
tor's chair. During his incumbency there was a change of presidents. 
The incomer, Polk, strongly favored the reannexation of Texas, and 
Adams became an ardent expounder of the cause, and on that question 
wrote many articles in the local papers. He remained until 1849, ^nd 
was succeeded by William T. Russell, who served four years. 

The following list of collectors was compiled for this history and 
is the first ever prepared: 1789-1801, Col. Edward Pope; 1801-1814, 
Isaiah Weston; 1814-1823, John Hawes ; 1823-1829, Russell Freeman; 
1829-1841, Lemuel Williams; 1841-1843, Robert S. Smith and William 
H. Allen; 1843-3 rnonths, Rodney French; 1843-1849, Joseph T. Adams; 
1849-1853, William T. Russell; 1853-1861, Col. C. B. H. Fesenden ; 
1861-1870, Lawrence Grinnell ; 1870-1886, John A. P. Allen; 1886-1891, 
Weston Howland; 1891-1895, James Taylor; 1895-1900, Zephaniah W. 
Pease; 1900-1905, George F. Bartlett ; 1905-1913, Rufus A. Soule. 

Rufus A. Soule, died in office. The last act of President Taft's 
administration was to consolidate customs districts of the country, and 
then New Bedford customs district, after a glorious history in which 
nearly four hundred and fifty vessels were documented in some years, 
was consolidated in the Massachusetts district and lost its identity. In 
the days when protection was granted to American seamen, as many 
as three thousand protection papers were issued in a year. In recent 
years, however, the duties upon machinery imported for the cotton 
mills, have brought the customs receipts up to the highest mark in 
the history of the district. Edward P. Haskell is deputy collector in 
charge of the New Bedford Custom House at the present time. 




i\l!'.\l( ■! I'AI, l:l I 1,1 'l.\i 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 

The City Government and Its Leading Departments. 

City Government — Elected annually, first Tuesday in December for 
succeeding year. Organizes first Monday in January. Regular meetings 
in city council chambers, Municipal Building, second and fourth Thurs- 
days of each month. Special meetings when called by mayor. 

Mayor — Hon. Charles S. Ashley (eighteenth term), 93 State street. 
Office, Room 20, Municipal Building. Office hours, 11:30 a. m. 12:30 
p. m., except Saturdays. 

Aldermen — Ward i, Napoleon Ricard. Ward 2, James F. Collins. 
Ward 3, Elzear H. Choquette. Ward 4, Clifton W. Bartlett. Ward 5, 
Charles M. Carroll. Ward 6, Thomas Kirkham. 

Mayor presides at meetings. In his absence, the chairman of the 
board. Alderman Clifton W. Bartlett, acting mayor during the mayor's 
absence or disability. 

Clerk — Walter H. B. Remington, city clerk. 

Messenger to Board of Aldermen — William T. Davis (appointed by 
the mayor). 

Common Council— Ward One — Eugene E. Barthelemy, Rodolphe J. 
Carrier, James M. Hughes, George D. Lacroix. Ward Two — Aldei Casa- 
vant, Jeremiah Coughlin, John H. HoUihan, Daniel J. Sullivan. Ward 
Three — George T. Duckworth, William H. Loughlin, Frederick C. Luce, 
Frank A. McNulty. Ward Four^William J. Francis, Edward J. Har- 
rington, W. Seymour Langshaw, Louis N. Schuler. Ward Five — Robert 
L. Baylies, Harrison T. Borden, John McCullough, 3d, Frank Whittaker, 
Ward Six— William Bond, William J. Harnish, Abraham Murgatroyd, 
Odilon Rousseau. 

Organization — President, Harrison T. Borden ; clerk, Charles P. 
Sawyer (elected by council, first meeting) ; messenger to common coun- 
cil, David M. Piper (appointed by president of council). 

The city officers are as follows : 

City Clerk — Walter H. B. Remington ; office. Room 18, Municipal 
Building. Elected by city council in convention, April, 1917; term three 
years, expires April, 1920. 

Assistant City Clerk — James Dignam ; office. Room 18, Municipal 
Building. Nominated yearly, in April, by city clerk and confirmed by 
city council in convention. 

City Treasurer and Collector of Taxes — William S. Cook; office, 
Rooms I, 2 and 3, Municipal Building. Elected yearly, in April, by city 
council in convention. 

City Auditor — Charles J. McGurk ; office, Room 4, Municipal Build- 
ing. Elected yearly, in April, by city council in convention. 

Clerk of Committees— Charles P. Sawyer ; office, Room 220, Munici- 
pal Building. Elected yearly, in April, by city council in convention. 

City Solicitor— Benjamin B. Barney ; room 204, Municipal Buildmg, 
and Room 11, Masonic Building. Appointed yearly, in January, by the 
mavor. 



272 NEW BEDFORD 

City Engineer— George H. Nye ; office, Room 303, Municipal Build- 
ing. Elected yearly, in April, by city council in convention. 

Consulting Engineer for Intercepting Sewer — William F. Williams; 
office. Room 301, Municipal Building. 

Superintendent of Streets— Charles F. Lawton ; office. Room 315, 
Municipal Building. Appointed annually, in April, by mayor and alder- 
men. 

Superintendent of Sewers — Superintendent of streets, ex-officio. 

City Forester — Superintendent of streets, ex-officio. 

Superintendent of Building and Buildings in the Fire Districts — 
Joseph L. Gibbs ; office, Room 307, Municipal Building. Elected yearly, 
in April, by city council in convention. 

Inspector of Buildings — Superintendent of public buildings. Desig- 
nated by aldermen. 

Assistant Superintendent of Public Buildings— Martin H. Sullivan; 
office. Room 307, Municipal Building. Appointed annually, in April, by 
superintendent of public buildings, and confirmed by city council in con- 
vention. 

Inspector of Wires — William P. Briggs ; office, Room 212, Municipal 
Building. Elected yearly, in April, by city council in convention. 

City Physician — Dr. Samuel K. Segall ; office and residence, 1208 
Acushnet avenue. Appointed by the mayor, with approval of city council 
in convention, annually in April. 

Inspector of Milk, Provisions, and Inspector of Animals Intended 
for Slaughter and Inspector of Animals — Dr. Herbert B. Hamilton. Ap- 
pointed by Board of Health under Chapter 75, Revised Laws, and Chap- 
ter 485, Acts of 1909. 

Sealer of Weights and Measures — John Hobin ; office, basement Mu- 
nicipal Building. Appointed under civil service by mayor and aldermen. 

Harbor Master — Charles H. Purrington ; place of business. New 
York, New Haven and Hartford railroad wharf. Appointed April 12, 
1917, under Chapter 36, Acts of 1876. 

Fence Viewers — Stephen H. Bond, Samuel W. Jennings, Thomas 
Thorley. 

City Wharfinger — Henry F. West; place of business. City Pier No. 
3. Elected by committee on wharves. 

Inspector of Crude Petroleum — Orville E. Young, 246 Palmer street. 
Appointed by mayor and confirmed by aldermen under Chapter 204 of 
Acts of 191 1. 

Caretaker of Graves of Soldiers and Sailors of Civil and Spanish 
Wars — Hurlbert E. Thomas, 177 Shawmut avenue. Appointed by mayor 
under Chapter 122, Acts of 1914, no confirmation necessary. 

Registrar of Labor, Under Civil Service Rules — William J. Carter; 
office. Rooms 6, 7 and 8, Municipal Building. 

Inspector of Accidents — Chester W. Chase. 

Smoke Inspector — Edward F. Dahill, chief of fire department. Ap- 
pointed under Sections 122-127 of Chapter 102, Revised Laws. 

Soldiers' Aid Agent — Thomas J. GifTord ; office. Room 210, Munici- 
pal Building. 

Board of Assessors — Office, Room 9, Municipal Building. Office 
hours, 9:00 a. m. to 4:00 p. m. Three assessors, one elected at large, at 
each municipal election in December; terms, three years. Six assistant 



NEW BEDFORD 



2/3 



assessors, elected by wards, municipal election in December; term, one 
year. 

Assessors — John H. Finnell, clerk; term expires 191". John Hanni- 
gan ; term expires 1918. Joseph H. Handford, chairman ; term expires 
1919. 

Assistant Assessors — Ward i, Joseph A. Dionne, William Hall. 
Ward 2, James H. Holden, Harold D. P. Ryan. Ward 3, Albert W. 
Goodwin, William F. Salter. Ward 4, Roland A. Leonard, Edward B. 
Gray. Ward 5, Frederick D. Sowle, John C. Noyer. Ward 6, John B. 
Roberts, William P. Matthews. 

Cemetery Department — Public cemeteries. 4; total area, 214 acres, 
53.76 rods ; Oak Grove, 41 acres, 130.90 rods ; Rural, 87 acres, 41.01 rods ; 
Griffin street (closed) i acre, 110.85 rods; Pine Grove, 83 acres, 93 rods. 

Cemetery Board — Office, Rooms 201 and 202, Municipal Building. 
Office hours, 9:00 a. m. to 4:00 p. m. Board consists of three members, 
one nominated annually, in April, by mayor, confirmed by city council. 
Term, three years. Regular meetings, Fridays at 7 :30 p. m. 

Members of Board — William M. Higham, chairman ; elected April, 
1915. John G. Nicholson, elected April, 1913. Charles H. Vinal, secre- 
tary; elected April, 1917. 

Clerk of Board — Pardon A. Macomber. 

Assistants — Ivah M. Hunt, Alice G. Shaw. 

Assistant Superintendent of Cemeteries — Hurlbert E. Thomas ; ap- 
pointed under civil service rules. 

Sextons — Oak Grove, Edmund M. Cornell; Rural, Nelson L. Pike. 

Health Department — Office, bacteriological laboratory and free agency 
for vaccination, Rooms 215-218, Municipal Building. Office hours: 9:00 
a. m. to 4:00 p. m. Hours of inspectors of plumbing: 8:00 to 9:00 a. m. 
and 12:30 to 2:30 p. m. Free agency for vaccination : 11 :30 a. m. to 12 :30 
p. m. Board consists of three members, nominated by mayor in January 
and confirmed by aldermen. Term, three years. 

Members of Board — Dr. E. Z. Normandin, chairman ; appointed 
Januarv, 1917. Cooper Gaw. appointed February, 1915. Joseph R. Glen- 
non, appointed January, 1916. 

.A.gent and Executive Officer — William G. Kirschbaum. 

Clerk^Susan J. Small. 

Assistant Clerk— Edna E. Wright. 

Sanitary Inspectors — John E. Glennon, Thomas Dahoney, Edward 
Raymond. 

Inspectors of Plumbing — Louis H. Richardson, William Deacon. 

Medical Inspector— Dr. A. N. Senesac. 

Oculists— Dr. F. L. Clark (south) ; Dr. Charles M. Atchison (north). 

Bacteriologist — Dr. A. H. Mandell. 

Quarantine Officer— Dr. Joseph A. Frazier. 

Public Vaccinators — Dr. L. K. Doran and Dr. R. D. Heap. 

Medical School Inspectors— Dr. A. V. Pierce, Dr. J. F. Weeks, Dr. 

N. B. — 18 



274 NEW BEDFORD 

J. Conrad Ross, Dr. Charles Shanks, Dr. J. P. St. Germain, Dr. W. A. 
Nield, Dr. E. P. Seaver, Jr., Dr. D. J. Lovvney, Dr. E. St. J. Johnson, Dr. 
William Rosen. 

School Examiner — Dr. H. V. Weaver. 

Public Health Nurses — Sarah W. Chase and Philomena E. Vargas. 

Nurse for Parochial Schools — Katharine F. Lowney. 

Inspector of Milks and Provisions — H. B. Hamilton, D. V. S. 

Collector of Milk Samples and Interpreter — Frederick J. Francis. 

Inspector of Slaughtering — H. B. Hamilton, D. V. S. 

Distributing Stations for Diphtheria Antitoxin — Browne Pharmacy 
(centre), 203 Union street; Ernest H. Query & Company (west), corner 
Kempton and Cottage streets; Dion's Pharmacy (north), corner Sawyer 
street and Acushnet avenue; T. P. Keating & Company (south), corner 
Potomska and South Water streets. After 10:00 p. m., on application to 
the watchman at the Municipal Building. 

Death rate, 1916, 15.31, based on population of 118,158. 

Licensing Board — Office, Rooms 206 and 207, Municipal Building. 
Office hours, 9:00 to i :oo, 2:30 to 4:00, daily. Board consists of three 
members, appointed by the mayor under statutes. Term begins first 
Monday in June of year of appointment, and continues six years. 

Members of Board — Rodolphus A. Swan, chairman and secretary ; 
appointed April 4, 1917. Charles H. Simmons; appointed December 20, 
1916. Miner W. Wilcox; appointed December, 1914. 

Poor Department — Office, Rooms 13-15, Municipal Building. Office 
hours, 9:00 a. m. to 4:00 p. m. daily. Almshouse and city farm, Clarks 
Point. Board consists of three members, one appointed by the mayor in 
April, annually, and confirmed by the city council in convention. Term, 
three years. 

Members of Board — A. Dennis Perrault; appointed April, 1917. Ko- 
pel Cohen; appointed April, 1917. Edward De Mello ; appointed April, 
1917. 

Secretary and Almoner — Douglas L. McGee. 

Clerk and Interpreter — Joseph A. Desjardins. 

Visitor and Interpreter — Antone H. Senna. 

Visitor — Raymond Halliwell. 

Stenographer — M. Catherine Rogers. 

Stenographer — Myra E. Jones. 

Superintendent of Almshouse and Farm — Thomas F. Brown, city 
farm. Clarks Point. 

Matron of Almshouse— Mrs. Thomas F. Brown, city farm, Clarks 
Point. 

Physicians to Board— Dr. Arthur L. Brunelle (north), Dr. Harry L. 
Stevens (centre), Dr. Louis A. Perras (Clarks Point and almshouse). Dr. 
Frank W. Mathewson (south). 



Brookl 



Department of Parks— Total parks, 7; total area, 221.47 acres: viz.: 
Dklawn, 88.51; Buttonwood, 94.46; Hazelwood, 23.05; Bridge, 1.08; 



NEW BEDFORD 275 

Grove, .93; Common, 7.2; Ashley Park, 4.32; Triangle, .16; Water Front, 
1.76. Appraised valuation, $822,425. 

Park Commissioners — Office, Room 205, Municipal Building. Board 
consists of five members, one appointed yearly in April by the mayor and 
confirmed by the city council in convention. Term, five years, beginning 
first Monday in May in year of appointment. 

Members of Board — William P. Covell, appointed 1916; term expires 
1919. George H. Hedge, appointed 1915; term expires 1920. Joseph 
Barnes, appointed 1916; term expires 1921. William F. Caswell, ap- 
pointed 1917. William Ferguson ; appointed 1916. 

General Superintendent — Thomas W. Cook. 

Police Deparment — Under Civil Service. 

Chief — Thomas J. Taft. 

Deputy Chief — John C. Parker. 

Captains — Harry D. Stow, Frank W. Sylvia, Daniel Deneen. 

Chief Inspector— Walter Almond. 

Inspectors — George R. Lawrence, Charles F. Smith, Albert E. 
Mosher. 

Lieutenants — Thomas Fay, Charles L. McBay, Joseph B. Wing, 
Willis C. Underwood, Jeremiah McCarthy, William Fowler, William E. 
Roscoe, Narcisse A. Breault, Edward P. Doherty, Samuel D. McLeod. 

Acting Clerk — Albert E. Mosher. 

Sergeants— Chester L. Tripp, James W. Savage, Frank L. Reming- 
ton, Edmund Foley, Arod B. Holloway, James J. Moore, George A. Sher- 
man, William Welsh, Daniel P. Sweeney, Harry C. Ellis. 

Keeper of Lock-Up— Thomas J. Taft, appointed by mayor under 
statute. 

Police Matron— Mrs. Sarah M. Brownell. 

Number of regular patrolmen. 153; traffic officers, 10; wagonmen, 3; 
drivers, 6; housekeepers, 14; reserve officers, 35; pensioners, 6. 

Station i (headquarters). South Second, south of Union; Station 2, 
South Water and Blackmer ; Station 3, Kempton and Cedar ; Station 4, 
Willis, west of Purchase; Station 5, Weld street, corner Bowditch. 
Police barn, south Second, south of Spring. 

Equipped with Gamewell police signal system. Police call on fire 
alarm, 2-2-2, struck four times. 

The contract for a new central police station has been awarded to 
the H. T. Bulman Corporation, and the construction is now under way. 
This building was to be completed about February i, 1918, and will cost 
about $145,500, without equipment. 

Registrar of Fo/rr^— Office, Room 7, Municipal Building. Meetings 
when called. Four members of board, city clerk, ex-officio, and three 
others, one appointed annually, in February or March, by the mayor and 
confirmed by the board of aldermen. Term, three years. 



276 



NEW BEDFORD 



Members of Board — Channing Wilde (Democrat), chairman ; ap- 
pointed February, 1917; term expires 1920. Joseph A. Desaulniers (Re- 
publican); appointed March 1916; term expires 1919. William J. Glas- 
gow (Democrat); appointed March, 1915; term expires 1918. Walter 
H. B. Remington (Republican), city clerk, ex-officio clerk. 



Registration, municipal election, December 5, 1916: 



Precinct 



Men 
66i 
723 
641 
631 
605 
631 
679 
636 
701 
592 
573 
615 
806 
488 
634 
575 
752 
680 
52s 
576 
583 
770 
625 
635 



Women 

48 

35 

16 

16 

12 

32 

74 

92 

78 
162 
124 

81 
116 

90 

81 

6S 

70 
132 
109 

68 

18 

23 

27 

44 



Totals 15,337 

The following is the vote for mayor from first election : 



1847 — Abraham H. Howland 036 

Tames B. Congdon 389 

Harrison G. O. Colby 176 

James D. Thompson 73 

1848 — Abraham H. Howland 1098 

James D. Thompson 37 

1849 — Abraham H. Howland 1331 

William H. Taylor 461 

1850 — Abraham H. Howland 866 

Benjamin Rodman 168 

1851 — Abraham H. Howland 820 

Lineas Wood 41 

1852— William T. Rotch 875 

Rodney French 357 

1853 — Rodney French 1052 

William J. Rotch 1022 

1854 — Rodney French 1581 

Willard Nye 1340 

1855 — George Howland, Jr 1836 

Rodney French 715 

1856 — George Howland, Jr 1382 

Rodney French 1352 

1857 — George H. Dunbar 1185 

9 mos. James D. Thompson 901 



1857 — George H. Dunbar 1473 

Abraham H. Howland 1463 

1858— Willard Nye 1384 

Abraham H. Howland 1201 

George G. Gifford 3:^8 

1859— Isaac C. Taber 1750 

Weston Howland 1216 

i860 — Isaac C. Taber 1790 

Thomas Knowles 1278 

1861— Isaac C. Taber 1312 

Thomas Knowles 771 

1862 — George Howland, Jr 857 

Scattering 3 

1863— George Howland, Jr 822 

Thomas Nye. Jr 744 

1864 — George Howland, Jr 1349 

Rodney French 867 

1865— John H. Perry 1167 

Scattering 11 

1866— John H. Perry 827 

Scattering 2 

1867 — .\ndrew G. Pierce 1743 

George B. Richmond 1329 

1868 — Andrew G. Pierce 1604 



NEW BEDFORD 



2TJ 



George B. Richmond 1508 

J. Wingate Frost 203 

1869 — George B. Richmond 1776 

Horatio Hathaway 1688 

1870 — George B. Richmond 1870 

Ehjah H. Chishohn 1712 

1871 — George B. Richmond 1659 

George H. Dunbar 1579 

1872 — George H. Dunbar 1981 

George B. Richmond 1908 

1873 — George B. Richmond 1751 

Scattering 10 

1874— Abraham H. Howland, Jr. . . 2331 
George B. Richmond 2009 

1875 — Abraham H. Howland, Jr. . . 2474 
George B. Richmond 2107 

1876 — Alanson Borden 1963 

Charles H. Gifford 1832 

1877 — George B. Richmond 2277 

William T. Soule 1 109 

1878— VVilham T. Soule 1793 

George B. Richmond 1738 

1879 — William T. Soule 2249 

George Wilson 2054 

1880— George Wilson 2532 

Charles H. Gifford 1936 

1881 — George Wilson 1879 

William T. Soule 1054 

Rufus A. Soule 777 

George G. Gifford 124 

1882 — George Wilson 2095 

John Wing 1233 

Charles E. Hendrickson .... 265 

1883 — George Wilson 2046 

Rufus A. Soule 1818 

Charles E. Hendrickson.... 50 

1884— Morgan Rotch 2292 

Rufus A. Soule 2062 

George G. Gifford 88 

1885 — Morgan Rotch 2419 

Charles Almy 452 

1886— Morgan Rotch 2301 

Rufus A. Soule 1891 

Robert W. Taber 194 

1887— Morgan Rotch 2457 

Rufus A. Soule 2073 

Charles E. Hendrickson.... 30 

1888— Walter Clifford 2319 

Charles S. Ashley 2046 

Tethro C. Brock 162 

1889— Walter Clifford 2413 

Charles S. Ashley 2323 

Tethro C. Brock 265 

1890— Charles S. Ashley 2863 

Charles F. Shaw 1885 

Jethro C. Brock 258 

1891— Charles S. Ashley 2315 

Tethro C. Brock 2079 

Blanks I49 

1892— Tethro C. Brock 3i97 

Stephen A. Brownell 2948 

Blanks 167 

1803 — Stephen A. Brownell 3432 

Tethro C. Brock 2854 

Blanks 169 



1894 — David L. Parker 3375 

Stephen A. Brownell 2990 

Blanks 335 

1895 — David L. Parker 3450 

Stephen A. Brownell 2643 

Blanks 346 

1896 — Charles S. Ashley 3991 

David L. Parker 3485 

Blanks 299 

1897 — Charles S. Ashley 4053 

Samuel E. Bentley 3584 

1898— Charles S. Ashley 4006 

Samuel E. Bentley 3278 

Peter J. McFadden 265 

Blanks 248 

1899 — Charles S. Ashley 4517 

Henry Howland 2419 

Peter J. McFadden 269 

Blanks 208 

1900 — Charles S. Ashley 4195 

Alva H. Morrill 2987 

Blanks 440 

1901 — Charles S. Ashley 4305 

Charles H. Adams 2789 

Alva H. Morrill 353 

Blanks 516 

1902— Charles S. Ashley 481 1 

Andrew P. Doyle 2833 

Blanks 706 

1903 — Charles S. Ashley 4435 

Joseph Franklin Spinnett... 1440 

Scattering 455 

Blanks 1079 

1904 — Charles S. Ashley 453Q 

Ezekiel H. Noble 99 

John E. O'Neil 190 

Thomas Thompson 4108 

Scattering 3 

Blanks 302 

1905 — Thomas Thompson 4854 

Isaac L. Ashley 42 

John McCullough 4015 

Ezekiel H. Noble 118 

Scattering 2 

Blanks 249 

1906 — Charles S. Ashley 4961 

Thomas Thompson 4886 

Scattering 12 

Blanks 211 

1907 — William J. Bullock 5261 

John V. Spare 612 

Thomas Thompson 4304 

Scattering 3 

Blanks 184 

t9o8— William J. Bullock 6184 

John V. Spare 4082 

Scattering 27 

Blanks 299 

1909 — Charles S. Ashley 5762 

Thomas Thompson 4953 

Scattering 25 

Blanks 274 

1910 — Charles S. Ashlev 6461 

Nathaniel P. Sowle 3469 

Scattering I5 



278 



NEW BEDFORD 



Blanks 234 

1911 — Charles S. Ashley 5253 

Edward T. Bannon 2452 

Thomas Thompson 3058 

Scattering 5 

Blanks 186 

1912 — Charles S. Ashley 5877 

Edward T. Bannon 3562 

Frederick W. Cornish 850 

Scattering 23 

Blanks 2254 

1913— Charles S. Ashley 5822 

Edward T. Bannon 374 

Frederick W. Cornish 381 

Edward R. Hathaway 4506 



Scattering 7 

Blanks 939 

1914 — Charles S. Ashley 5488 

Arthur N. Harriman 430 

Edward R. Hathaway 5632 

Scattering 9 

Blanks 814 

1915 — Charles S. Ashley 6253 

Edward R. Hathaway 6701 

Scattering 21 

Blanks 879 

1916 — Charles S. Ashley 7825 

Edward R. Hathaway 5742 

Scattering 17 

Blanks 926 



During the past year 5.38 miles of sewer, at an expense of $99,481.40, 
have been constructed, and 3.18 miles of new streets have been laid out 
and accepted. 

Appropriations have been made for the intercepting sewer system 
and the work is nearly completed and most of it is in operation. This 
has already resulted in a very marked clearing of the waters of Acushnet 
river and Clarks cove. This system will cost $1,600,000 (estimated), and 
when completed will provide for a population of 300,000. 

The cost of this system to January, 1917, is $1,233,943.93. Work on 
the intercepting sewer has progressed steadily through the year and at 
the present time the flow of all sewage has been intercepted from the 
upper part of Clarks cove and from the part of the city lying west of 
Second street as far north as Davis street. 

The city now owns the shore and all riparian rights south of Brock 
avenue, from Shore street to Crapo street, and from the Kilburn Mills 
south to the government reservation. 

The erection of the new permanent municipal bath houses was com- 
pleted at a price of about $47,000. The building represents an outlay of 
about $80,000. 

Sinking Fund Commissioners — Three members, one elected by city 
council in concurrence, annually, in March. Term, three years. 

Members of Board — Benjamin A. Tripp; elected April, 1917; term 
expires March, 1919. Harry C. Robinson; elected April, 1917; term 
expires March, 1920. Charles S. Kelley, Jr.; elected March, 1915; term 
expires March, 1918. 

Secretary and Treasurer — William S. Cook. 

The Water System — The movement for a system for supplying New 
Bedford with water began March 8, i860, when Frederick S. Allen intro- 
duced into the common council an order for the appointment of a commit- 
tee to "consider the practicability and expediency of introducing a perma- 
nent supply of fresh water into the city, and to report some plan with the 
probable cost of doing so." Constant agitation finally awakened the 



NEW BEDFORD 279 

public's sense of duty, and on April 18, 1863, an act for supplying the 
city of New Bedford with pure water was passed by the Massachusetts 
General Court. 

The first board of water commissioners was organized December 
13, 1865: William W. Crapo, chairman ; Warren Ladd, David B. Kemp- 
ton and James B. Congdon. When the first appropriation of $100,000 
was made, December 14, 1865, the great work was fairly begun. During 
the closing weeks of 1869, water flowed from the dam across the valley 
of the Acushnet, seven miles north of the city, through the main pipes to 
the city, thence distributed to the homes, stores and mills. Since that 
time great extensions and improvements have been made, fresh sources 
of supply have been secured, and very recently, and from dam, lake and 
reservoir comes a never-failing supply. 

The water works system, municipally owned and managed, has been 
reinforced by a duplicate supply main from High Hill reservoir and new 
mains are being laid to supply every portion of the city with water. 
When the present system is completed the city will be entirely encircled 
by a large supply main, both ends of which will be connected with the 
pumping station at Quittacus. This will insure a supply of water to every 
part of the city in every emergency. The water from Quittacus lake is of 
the purest, and the supply adequate for many years. The water shed is 
the largest in the State. The water rate is low — ten cents per 1,000 gal- 
lons for manufacturing purposes, and fifteen cents for metered domestic 
use. 

Water department offices, Room 312, Municipal Building. New 
Bedford water board consists of five members ; mayor and president of 
common council, ex-officio ; one member elected in June, annually, by city 
council in convention. The following are the officers: 

Members of the Board — The mayor, Charles S. Ashley, president 
ex-officio. Harrison T. Borden, president of the common council, ex- 
officio. William H. Pitman ; elected June, 1915 ; term expires June, 1918. 
Frederic H. Taber ; elected June, 1916; term expires June, 1919. Lettice 
R. Washburn; elected June, 1914; term expires June, 1917. 

Clerk of Board and Superintendent — Robert C. P. Coggeshall. 

Water Registrar — Clifford Baylies. 

Bookkeeper — Warren Tattersall. 

Water Register Clerks — Frank M. Hamlin, Alfred Bradley. 

Clerks (Superintendent's Office)— Arthur R. Weeks, E. Maud Butts, 
Damon W. Rice, Berenice E. Dyer. 

Inspectors— John B. Wilbur, Gilbert B. Borden, Jr., Alonzo W. 
Spooner, Justin C. Perkins, Arthur F. Colwell, Thomas RawclifTe, Lester 
F. Spooner, Henry D. Backus, Robert G. Refuse, George Hutchinson, 
Walter Gardner. 

Chief Pumping Engineer — Adoniram S. Negus ; residence, near Little 
Quittacas station. t- r>i 

Assistant Pumping Engineers — James H. Weeks, Walter L. Flum- 
mer, Everett A. White. 



28o NEW BEDFORD 

General Foreman — John C. DeMello. 
Foreman's Clerk — ^Rupert Kobza. 

Assistant Foremen— Herbert C. Gifford, William C. DeMello, Allen 
G. Briggs. 

The Fire Department — In the year 1772 a fire engine was built in 
London, which was bought by Joseph Rotch, an original settler of New 
Bedford, and was the first fire engine ever brought to the village. It 
was named "Independence No. i," and was housed on the north side of 
William street, where now stands the New Bedford Safe Deposit and 
Trust Company. Other "tubs" followed and all that could be done for 
fire protection with the crude apparatus was done. The fire department 
was organized in 1834, under an act of Legislature, and on July 4, 1835, 
the firemen first appeared in a parade. Interest soon died away and it 
was not until 1842 that the department again became really efficient. In 
September, 1859, ten days after a destructive fire, the first steam engine 
was ordered — Onward, No. i— built by the Amoskeag Manufacturing 
Company of Manchester, New Hampshire, and was an excellent engine 
for that period. 

The second steamer, "Progress," was ordered in i860. The "Excel- 
sior No. 3" was ordered in 1864, followed by the steamer, "Cornelius 
Howland No. 4," which went into commission February i, 1867. In 
1879 the "Onward No. i" and "Progress No. 2," the first two steamers, 
were replaced by new engines, and in 1880 the permanent force were 
put in uniform. The Frederick Macy Steam Fire Engine Company, 
No. 6, was put in commission November i, 1882. 

Loss on signal fires, 1916: Damage to buildings, $31,129.67; dam- 
age to contents, $28,492.27; total, $59,621.94. Insurance on buildings. 
$2,754,732 : insurance on contents, $2,624,687.50. 

The present fire chief, Edward F. Cahill, was elected by council in 
convention in April, 191 7, according to the law, to serve one year. The 
department has a first, second and third assistant engineer, fifteen cap- 
tains of engine, hook and ladder and hose companies, housed in eleven 
fire houses, or stations, all over the city. 

The Firemen's Mutual Aid Society was organized in the department 
in 1875, its object to assist members who may receive injuries while per- 
forming fire service. The Firemen's Beneficial Association and the Vet- 
eran Firemen's Association also arising from department needs and 
service. 

The oldest part of the fire department, the Protecting Society, was 
founded upon the Vigilance Committee of 1830, and was an active part 
of the department until 1873, when it was rendered much more useful by 
being furnished with tarpaulins, rubber blankets, etc. During the year 
1874 the society furnished itself with badges to be worn at fires. In 
1877 the society was reorganized with the membership limited to fifty. 



NEW BEDFORD 281 

Its efficiency has steadily increased from year to year, but in 1878 radical 
rules and regulations were adopted, new apparatus added, and under the 
energetic management of President Charles S. Kelley, the importance of 
the Protecting Society became doubly apparent. He succeeded in induc- 
ing the agents of the insurance companies to donate $350, which was at 
once expended in rubber blankets. The society has gone on to greater 
usefulness as the years have passed and is a very efficient body of prop- 
erty savers, thousands of dollars worth of property being saved each 
year through its effort. In 1883 the plan of distributing the members 
in time of fire was first adopted. 

The officers of the New Bedford Protecting Society (1917) are as 
follows : 

President — Charles S. Kelley, Jr. 
First Director — Henry S. Hutchinson. 
Second Director — Thomas B. Akin. 
Third Director — Charles S. Baylies. 
Fourth Director — Edward B. Robbins. 
Fifth Director — F. Oscar Covill. 
Sixth Director — F. P. R. Patter.son. 
Seventh Director — Joseph F. Cornwell. 
Eighth Director — Ernest H. Boucher. 
Secretary and Treasurer — Chester P. Rexford. 

In 1916 the losses on signal fires in New Bedford, damage to build- 
ing and to contents, were totalled $59,621.94; on buildings insured for 
$2,754,732, and contents insured for $2,624,687. This small percentage 
of loss emphasizes the efficiency of the New Bedford fire department 
and its allied forces. 

Personnel of the fire department : 

Chief — Edward F. Dahill ; elected annually, in April, by city council 
in convention. 

First Assistant Engineer — James J. Donaghy ; elected yearly, in 
April, by city council in convention. 

Second Assistant Engineer — Frank R. Pease ; elected yearly, in April, 
by city council in convention. 

Third Assistant Engineer — John W. Donaghy ; elected yearly, in 
April, by city council in convention. 

Clerk — Joseph P. Kennedy, 15 Sherman street; civil service. 

Heads of Companies — Engine No. i. Captain James L. Haskins ; 
Engine No. 3, Captain James H. Mahoney ; Engine No. 4, Captain Fred- 
erick E. Ricketson ; Engine No. 5, Captain Thomas H. Forbes; Engine 
No. 7, Captain Edward H. Coggeshall ; Engine No. 9, Captain Ambrose 
F. Merchant; Engine No. 10, Captain Reuben Taber ; Hook and Ladder 
No. I, Captain Edward D. Francis; Hook and Ladder No. 2, Captain 
Edward M. Murphy ; Hook and Ladder No. 3, Lieutenant Charles E. 
Greene; Hose No. i. Captain Frank A. C. Greene; Hose No. 2, Captain 
George H. Cook; Hose No. 3, Captain Charles P. Johnson; Hose No. 4, 
Captain Jeremiah T. Haggerty ; Hose No. 6, Captain Frank E. Lewis. 

House Captains — Station i, Purchase, foot of Franklin street, James 



282 NEW BEDFORD 

L. Haskins; Station 2, Purchase and Mechanics streets, Frank A. C. 
Greene; Station 3, Kempton and Reed streets, James H. Mahoney ; Sta- 
tion 4, Bedford and South Sixth streets, Frederick E. Ricketson ; Station 
5, County and Hillman streets, Thomas H. Forbes; Station 6, Fourth 
street, head of Potomska street, Frank E. Lewis ; Station 7, Cottage and 
Durfee streets, Edward H. Coggeshall ; Station 8, Acushnet avenue and 
Davis street, George H. Cook; Station 8, Acushnet avenue, north of 
Lunds corner, Ambrose F. Merchant; Station 10, Purchase and Cedar 
Grove streets, Reuben Taber ; Station 11, Brock avenue and Mott street, 
Jeremiah T. Haggerty. 

Repair Shop, Bedford and South Sixth street — Master mechanic, 
Harry H. Kimball ; assistant master mechanic, James H. Downey. 

Headquarters' Telephone Operator — Charles S. Wing. 

Assistant Telephone Operator — Lieutenant James T. Wing. 

Superintendent of Fire Alarm — Edward F. Dahill. 

Assistant Superintendent of Fire Alarm — Robert E. Allen. 

Condensed Facts Concerning Nezv Bedford — Territory settled, 1652. 
Town of Dartmouth incorporated, 1664. New Bedford incorporated as 
town, 1787. New Bedford incorporated as city, 1847. Location, west 
side Acushnet river, Bristol county. Length, 10.71 miles; width, aver- 
age, 1.86 miles; area, 19.39 square miles. Distance from Boston (rail- 
road), 57 miles. Distance from Fall River, 13.8 miles. Distance from 
Taunton, 20 miles. Principal business, manufacture of fine cotton goods ; 
in this New Bedford stands first in America. Other business, manufac- 
ture of blankets, silk and woolen fabrics, shoes, glass and silverware, 
drills and tools, refined oils, wood and paper boxes, cotton manufacturers' 
supplies, eyelets, crackers and biscuits, beer and ale, screws, rope and 
cordage, wrapping bands, driving rope, carriages, sheet copper and yel- 
low metal, printing rolls, soap, paper specialties, electrical devices, 
mechanical toys, reed furniture, artificial ice, the whaling industry, 
whalemen's supplies. 

Assessed valuation, personal, 1916 $39,765,475 

Assessed valuation, real estate, 1916 7i.793.350 

Resident bank stock, 1916 1.562,968 

Total assessed valuation, 1916 113,121,793 

Rate of taxation, 1916, per $1,000 23.00 

Banking capital, 1916 2,920,000 

Banking dividends, 1916 242.800 

Savings bank deposits, Dec. 30, 1916 31.708,454 

Savings bank dividends, 1916 1,164.475 

Co-operative bank shares 28,487 

Co-operative bank dividend rate 5J4 per cent. 

Population since New Bedford became a city : 

1847 (Estimated) 1840, 12,087, 16.000 

1850 ( National census ) 16,443 

1855 (State census) 20,389 

1 860 (National census) 22,300 

1865 (State census) 20,853 

1870 (National census) 21,320 

1875 ( State census) 25,895 

1880 (National census), 26,845 



NEW BEDFORD 283 

1885 (State census) 33>393 

1890 (National census) fl'^^^ 

1895 ( State census ) I^'~^' 

1900 (National census), 02,442 

1905 (State census) 74.302 

1906 (Special census) ''a'?- 

1910 (National census) Is 

1915 (State census) 109.50° 

Assessors' estimate, April i, 191" IIB.OOO 

Other statistics : 

Combined capital, other manufactures than cotton $5730.000 

Receipts of coal, yearly estimated tons 700,000 

Receipts of fresh fish, 1916, pounds 4.375.000 

Shipments of shell fish, 1916, barrels ~ o"'"^*^ 

Value of whaling catch, 1916 iiSo,ooo 

Number of bales of cotton purchased, 1916 418.039 

Post office business: 

Number of sub-stations ^^ 

Number of classified stations ' 

Regular carriers 59 

Substitute carriers '5 

Regular clerks ^^ 

Substitute clerks ' ' 

Custom house business: 

Customs receipts, 1916 $10,871.30 

Total tonnage, vessels arriving, etc 2.1 14.394 

Immigrants landed ' '^50 

Draw bridge record, year ending December 31, 1916: 

Openings 4.14 

Boats l'"*,^^ 

Towboats 2,105 

Barges "54 

Schooners 'Jz 

Steamers , ^™ 

Number of tons 4t)4.ooo 

Building statistics : 

Building permits granted, 1916 949 

Decrease from previous year _ ^3 

Estimated cost, new buildings, 1915 « fi 7 

Increase over previous year ^^fiiS^S^ 

Number of tenemerits erected, 1916 002 

Decrease from previous year • 37 

Instruments recorded, Registry of Deeds, 1916 »,3S2 

Increase over previous year '^7 

Potoicai— Congressional district, i6th, includes the following cities 
and towns : In Barnstable county — Barnstable, Bourne, Brewster, Chat- 
ham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Harwich, Mashpee, Orleans, Province- 
towii. Sandwich, Truro, Wellfleet, Yarmouth. In Bristol county— New 
Bedford, Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven. In Plymouth county— 
Bridgewater, Carver, Duxbury, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Hingham, 
Hull, Kingston, Marion, Marshfield, Mattapoisett, Middleboro, Norwell, 
Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rochester, Scituate, Wareham. In 
Norfolk county— Cohasset. The whole of Dukes and Nantucket coun- 
ties. Congressman, Joseph Walsh (Republican), of New Bedford. 



284 NEW BEDFORD 

Councillor district, first, includes the following: The Cape, the first 
and second Plymouth and the second and third Bristol senatorial districts 
Legal voters, 77,340. Councillor, David L. Parker (Republican), of New 
Bedford. 

Senatorial district, third Bristol, includes the following cities and 
towns : Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, New Bedford and 
Westport. Legal voters, 16,146. Senator, Richard Knowles (Repub- 
lican), of New Bedford. 

Representatives districts, seventh and eighth Bristol : Seventh Bris- 
tol district includes Wards i, 2 and 3 of New Bedford ; legal voters, 7,688 ; 
representatives, Alfred M. Bessette (Republican) and George E. Lilley 
(Republican). Eighth Bristol district includes Wards 4, 5 and 6 of New 
Bedford; legal voters, 7,649; representatives, John Halliwell (Repub- 
lican), Ward M. Parker (Republican) and Gilbert G. Southworth (Re- 
publican). 

District attorney district, southern, includes Barnstable, Bristol, 
Dukes and Nantucket counties. District attorney, Joseph T. Kenney, of 
New Bedford ; assistant, Frank B. Fox, of Taunton. 

The custom house. North Second, corner of William street, Edward 
P. Haskell, deputy collector in charge. Arthur E. DufTy, deputy col- 
lector and inspector. Dr. Edward F. Cody, acting assistant surgeon. 
United States Public Health and Marine Hospital Service. William B. 
Hinkley, immigration inspector. H. C. Hathaway, shipping commis- 
sioner. Clifford P. Sherman, referee in bankruptcy. Stanley C. Aken, 
Joseph D. Dobley, Frank E. Macy and S. S. Taber, local board of civil 
service examiners. Alexander McL. Goodspeed, United States com- 
missioner. H. Adelbert Linfield. inspector in charge of the United 
States engineer department. 




CHAPTER XXXVII. 

Newspapers. 

A weekly newspaper was established at New Bedford in 1792 called 
the "Medley" or "New Bedford Marine Journal," edited and printed by 
John Spooner "at his office near Rotch's Wharf." There are but few 
New England towns that had a weekly newspaper at an earlier date and 
no town of New Bedford's size can boast a longer newspaper mortuary 
list. "The Medley" was published for seven years by John Spooner, 
who then sold his interest to Abraham Shearman, Jr., who in 1798 had 
founded the "Columbian Courier," the first number appearing on De- 
cember I. Next to appear was the "New Bedford Mercury," owned and 
edited by Benjamin Lindsey, formerly a compositor and foreman on the 
"Palladium" of Boston. As the "Mercury" is the only one of this early 
trio to survive and is now, after more than a century, one of the leading 
newspapers in Massachusetts, extended mention is the "Mercury's" due. 
The "New Bedford Mercury," a weekly newspaper, was established 
in 1807 by Benjamin Lindsey, who had previously worked as compositor 
and foreman in the printing office of the "Palladium" in Boston. "The 
Mercury" was New Bedford's third newspaper, and the first issues were 
small sheets of sixteen columns, printed "on good paper and in fair type," 
the subscription price two dollars, exclusive of postage, and "payable 
half-yearly in advance." In his address to the public the editor says : "It 
is our wish and intention to publish a useful and. as far as our resources 
will permit, an entertaining journal, embracing all those objects which 
properly fall within its scope, etc. * * * In politics we shall adopt 
the truly republican principles of Washington's 'Farewell Address,' con- 
vinced that all Americans are alike interested in their support. Thus 
doing, we shall 'Nothing extenuate, nor set down aught in malice'." 

The first issue contains "very late foreign news" for those ante- 
clippership, ante-steam-power, and ante-telegraph times, a proclamation 
by Thomas Jefiferson, and various local advertisements by Abraham Rus- 
sell, Peter Barney & Son, and Russell, Thornton & Company. In the 
second number is an advertisement of a new line of stages between New 
Bedford and Boston, announcing that the "stage will start from Crocker's 
tavern in New Bedford at sunrise On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fri- 
days, and arrive at Boston at three o'clock p. m." 

Daniel Ricketson, in the article written a half century ago gives an 
interesting description of the founder of "The Mercury." He wrote : 

On Friday. August 7, 1807, commenced the "New Bedford Mercury," 
now one of the oldest newspapers in New England. In the spring of that 
year, upon a certain day, a tall and well-dressed young man, erect in per- 



286 NEW BEDFORD 

son, with cane in hand, stepped briskly into the office of the old Marine 
Insurance Company at the corner of Elm and Water streets, and inquired 
for a person with whom he had had some correspondence in relation to 
the establishment of a newspaper in New Bedford, the "Columbian 
Courier," as it will be remembered, having ceased on March i, 1805. This 
gentleman was Benjamin Lindsey, Sen., of Boston, and the interview 
with the gentleman he sought, who was Joseph Ricketson, Sen., appears 
to have been satisfactory, as the first number of the "Mercury" was 
issued, as before stated, in the following August. 

Mr. Lindsey was a man of great energy and industry, an editor of 
the old school. His constant devotion to his profession much impaired 
his health, and for many of his last years, as remembered by the writer, 
he bore the appearance of a valetudinarian, but he retained his quick 
step and industrious habits to the last. His appearance was remarkably 
editorial, but decidedly of the olden time and like his predecessor, John 
Spooner, of the Franklin school of printers. The "New Bedford Mer- 
cury" during his editorship was of the Federal school of politics, and 
was ever one of the most consistent and able journals in the State. Dur- 
ing the latter part of his life he was assisted by his eldest son, who 
established the "Daily Mercury," not without the distrust of his father 
for its success, in 1831. 

Mr. Lindsey was a practical printer, having learned his trade in Bos- 
ton. He was born in Marblehead, Mass., and died in New Bedford, No- 
vember ID, 1831, in his 54th year. He was a man of sound judgment, 
exemplary virtue, unobstrusive in his manners, and died much respected 
by his fellow-citizens. 

In the weekly edition of "The Mercury," Friday, November 11, 
1831, under a turned rule at the top of the column headed "Died," is 
found the following paragraph : 

Died — At 10 o'clock last evening, after a long protracted consump- 
tive illness, attended with great mental and bodily suffering, Mr. Benja- 
min Lindsey, the original proprietor, and until a few years past, the sole 
publisher, of this paper, in the fifty-fourth year of his age. Although the 
disease, which has thus terminated his existence, had within the last few 
weeks advanced with comparatively rapid progress, the fatal event at 
this period was entirely unexpected even by those who most assiduously 
watched his decline, and this simple melancholy announcement only will 
be expected from us at this time. 

The founder of "The Mercury" conducted it alone until 1826, when 
his son, Benjamin Lindsey, Jr., was associated with him. In 183 1 they 
started "The Daily Mercury" (the first daily established in New Bed- 
ford), and the senior partner soon after retiring, the entire management 
devolved on the son, who published it until July 15, 1861, when, having 
been appointed United States Consul at St. Catherine's, Brazil, he sold 
the newspaper establishment to C. B. H. Fessenden and William G. 
Baker. 

Mr. Lindsey held the position through Mr. Lincoln's administration 
and that of his immediate successor, discharging its duties acceptably to 



NEW BEDFORD 287 

the government, and particularly so to those who had business with his 
office. Shipmasters have borne willing testimony not only to his prompt 
and courteous performance of official duty, but to many acts of kindness 
and attention, all the more kindly appreciated because rare and unex- 
pected. 

Resigning his consulship, he returned to this city, where he spent 
the remainder of his life in the quiet which he so much loved, with a few 
companions of his youth and manhood, and in constant fellowship with 
the books which for years he had been gathering, and whose treasures he 
thoroughly enjoyed. He died at his home, 46 South Sixth street, April 
26, 1889, in his eighty-fifth year. Of a retiring disposition and with small 
taste for general society, he had a genuine relish for intercourse with his 
friends, and was able to contribute his full share to its pleasures. He 
was, in the best sense of the word, a gentleman, honorable, true, kind- 
hearted, and free from all pretence. 

In 1842 Mr. Lindsey was married to Miss Frances Sedwick Watson, 
of Stockbridge. They had no children. Both are buried at Stockbridge. 
"The Mercury," under Mr. Lindsey 's management, grew in impor- 
tance and value, was edited with ability, and enjoyed a wide circulation. 
For a long time it had no competitor, there being no evening paper, and 
its close attention to the fullness and accuracy of its ship news, then a 
most important feature secured for it a generous list of subscribers. 

Fessenden & Baker took charge of the paper on the eve of the 
Civil War, July 15. 1861. Under their direction '"The Mercury" advo- 
cated at an early day the arming of the enslaved negroes and their 
emancipation, one of its editorials having the caption, "We must 
tight them or free them." In the darkest days of the rebellion its 
leading articles were cheery and hopeful, prophesying progress through 
a great disaster, and showing unbounded confidence in the final 
triumph of the nation. Even beyond the circumscribed limits of its circu- 
lation it exerted a healthful and conservative influence, for its columns 
were scrupulously free of anything that would offend good taste or injure 
public or private morals, and it was vigorous in its advocacy of all real 
reform. It was persistent in its effort to supplement the loss to the city 
from the inevitable decline of the whale fishery by the establishment of 
manufacturing industries. 

May I, 1876, "The Mercury" passed by purchase into the hands of 
Stephen W. Booth, Warren E. Chase, and William L. Sayer, who until 
July I, 1894, under the style of The Mercury Publishing Company, con- 
ducted it. Mr. Booth had for many years been in the employ of Fessen- 
den & Baker as clerk and then business manager. Mr. Chase had large 
experience and skill as a compositor, and Mr. Sayer had graduated with 
honor from "The Mercury" office as reporter. Young, hopeful, intelli- 
gent, industrious and determined to succeed, they kept up the tone of the 



288 NEW BEDFORD 

paper, and improved its appearance. It was independent of party, its edi- 
tor, Mr. Sayer, approving or condemning measures without regard to 
their party origin or support. Mr. Sayer continued as editor until 1894. 

In 1894 the ownership of the newspaper property passed to the late 
George S. Fox, William L. Sayer and Benjamin H. Anthony. When this 
change was made, Zephaniah \V. Pease, who joined the newspaper force 
as reporter in 1880, became editor, and Arthur G. Luce, who had been a 
clerk in the business office for several years, became business manager. 
Both have continued to the present time, although for a period of five 
years, during which he served as collector of the port, Mr. Pease acted 
as managing editor and not as editorial writer. Later the firm became 
incorporated, retaining the name of The Mercury Publishing Company. 

During the one hundred and seventeen years of existence of "The 
Mercury" there have been no less than thirty newspapers printed in the 
English language established in this city, and all but three have had their 
obituaries printed. The "Evening Standard" celebrated its fiftieth birth- 
day a few years ago. Seven newspapers, beside "The Mercury," were 
started during the first half of the nineteenth century, but all fell by the 
wayside after struggles. One changed its name no less than six times, 
and its ownership shifted almost as frequently. 

"The Evening Standard" and the "Republican Standard," a weekly, 
were founded by Edmund Anthony in February, 1850. Mr. Anthony 
was then a veteran journalist, having established several newspapers in 
Taunton, Massachusetts, including the "Daily Gazette," and for several 
years publishing "The Bristol County Democrat." "The Standard" is 
one of the successful journals of the city and the "Standard" plant is a 
thoroughly modern one both in its mechanical equipment and its facili- 
ties for gathering the news. Upon the death of Edmund Anthony, the 
founder, his sons, Edmund and Benjamin, succeeded him and on Janu- 
ary I, 1891, incorporated under the name of E. Anthony & Sons. The 
"Standard" now appears every evening and Sunday. It is the oldest 
evening paper in the city and the only one that has any claim to age. 

The "New Bedford Times" was established in 1902 and continues as 
an evening and Sunday paper. 




STANDAltl) BUILDINC. 



CHAPTER XXXVIil. 
Religious Institutions. 

The First Congregational Society in New Bedford — In 1708 Samuel 
Hunt came to the town of Dartmouth, regularly appointed June 8, 1708, 
by an order of the General Court to establish a Congregational church. 
He was a graduate of Harvard College and through his labors Congre- 
gationalism was given a local habitation and a name. A meeting house 
was built in 1709 that stood on the old burying ground at the head of 
Acushnet river. The grave-yard was in use as early as 171 1 — the date 
of the earliest marked gravestone. From this church sprang the First 
Congregational Society in New Bedford (Unitarian), Union street, cor- 
ner of Eighth, of which Rev. William G. Geoghegan is pastor. The 
church has had an interesting history, many ministers of note have 
served the society and its record is a proud one. Another First Congre- 
gational Church is located on Acushnet avenue, Lund's corner; the Rev. 
H. E. Oxnard, pastor. 

North Congregational Church — This church was formed by a church 
council, October 15, 1887, the first ofificers being chosen May 11, 1809. 
"Soon an unhappy division began to appear," which resulted in the for- 
mation of two churches — one Trinitarian, the other Unitarian. On Au- 
gust 7, 1810, a vote was taken and thirteen of the nineteen active male 
members separated from it. In 1812 the members who had remained 
with the society adopted a covenant and installed a pastor. Rev. David 
Batchelder. These members who were living December 19, 1814, were 
formally excommunicated, but survived that calamity and saw their 
number increase. The first church, corner of Purchase and Elm streets, 
was dedicated June 23, 1813; a Sunday school organized in 1819; church 
building enlarged in 1826; Nortfi Congregational Church was incor- 
porated January 27, 1827, and has gone on to greater and greater use- 
fulness. A fine stone church has long adorned the corner of Purchase 
and Elm streets, belonging to the church. Rev. Frank E. Ramsdell, 
pastor. 

Trinitarian Church — On November 15, 1831, an ecclesiastical coun- 
cil met at North Congregational Church to organize a new church soci- 
ety. Fifty-nine persons entered their names as members, all but one of 
them separating from the old North Church. Two days later a meeting 
of the members of the new church, still nameless and homeless, was held 
at the home of Charles Coggeshall, but it was not until November 14, 
1832, that a pastor was secured, Rev. James Austin Roberts. On Febru- 
ary 2, 1832, the church had incorporated as the Trinitarian Church, a new 
church edifice being dedicated May 17, 1832. The church has wonder- 

N. B.— 19 



290 NEW BEDFORD 

fully prospered and in spite of fires a handsome stone church, with won- 
derful windows, stands at the corner of Purchase and School streets, 
formally excommunicated, but survived that calamity and saw their 
with a commodious church home building opposite. Rev. Matthew C. 
Julien, who died in December, 1914, was pastor of this church for over 
forty years. Rev. Fletcher Douglas Parker is minister of the church. 

Methodist Episcopal Churches — Organized Methodism in New Bed- 
ford dates from 1817, when the first class was formed, its sixteen mem- 
bers being led by Rev. Benjamin R. Holt, of Sandwich. A regular pas- 
tor was secured on July 15, 1820, Rev. Jesse Filmore. The building of a 
church was at once begun and from this sprang that useful religious 
body — County Street Methodist Episcopal Church. A .Sunday school 
was organized in 1824. The official members of the church organized 
"Elm Street Building Association" to erect the church building at the 
corner of Elm and County streets, which was dedicated May 5, 1859. I" 
1866 a Christian Association of young men of the church was formed, 
from which arose the local branch of the Young Men's Christian Associa- 
tion. Rev. Andrew J. Coultas is the present pastor. 

Fourth Street Methodist Episcopal Church — In 183 1 a number of 
members from County Street Methodist Episcopal Church withdrew and 
formed the Fourth Street Church, dedicating a chapel for their use Feb- 
ruary 4, 1832, Rev. Asa Kent serving the seceders. A separation was 
effected in 1843 ^^'^ Fourth Street became a separate church, with Rev. 
A. U. Swinnerton pastor. The church suffered by the withdrawal of 
many members living nearer the Allen Street Church, but a newer mem- 
bership was attracted and the church has prospered materially and spiritu- 
ally. This church is now known as the Second Methodist Episcopal 
Church, its building on Purchase street, south of Walnut, Rev. John 
Pearce now its pastor. 

Pleasant Street Methodist Episcopal Church — This is the second 
church society to spring from County Street Methodist Episcopal 
Church (formerly known as Elm Street). Church records are missing 
from 1843 to 1859, but it is known that in 1841-42 a start was made 
toward establishing a Sunday school in the north part of the town. This 
resulted in the building known as the Tree Meeting House from the fact 
that a large sycamore tree stood directly in front and overshadowed the 
little chapel. The chapel was dedicated in 1843 ^""i was supplied by the 
presiding elder, prayer meetings and Sunday school being well attended. 
Separation was mutually agreed upon May 19, 1844, the following May 24 
a society being formed known as Pleasant Street Methodist Episcopal 
Church. The church building is on Pleasant, corner of Sycamore street. 
Rev. W. S. Maclntire, pastor. 

Allen Street Methodist Episcopal Church — This society was formed 
in the year 185 1 by members going with it from the Fourth Street 



NEW BEDFORD 291 

Church, Rev. Moses Chase, pastor of the Fourth Street Church heading 
the movement, as he felt there was need of a Methodist Church in the 
south end of the city. The first church building, at the corner of County 
and Alien streets, was dedicated January 22, 1852, Rev. George A. Grant, 
the present pastor of the church. 

Other Methodist are Howard Methodist Episcopal Church, corner of 
Kempton and Rochdale avenue ; Rev. F. L. Streeter, pastor. Wesley 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 229 Phillips; Rev. Orion L. Griswold, pas- 
tor. Methodist Episcopal Mission, 909 Brock avenue. First Portuguese 
Methodist Episcopal Church, organized June 21, 1891, the first Portu- 
guese Methodist church ever formed in the United States ; church edifice, 
203 South Second street; Rev. William H. Mosely, pastor. Bethel Afri- 
can Methodist Episcopal Church, whose beginning was in 1842, although 
a cornerstone for a church was not laid until 1855; the church was fin- 
ished seventeen years later, through the efforts of the "One Object Soci- 
ety" and stands on Kempton street, opposite Chestnut; Rev. D. Ormonde 
Walker now its pastor. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, Elm 
street, next Cottage, was organized March 5, 1850; the present pastor. 
Rev. S. W. Weller. 

The Primitive Methodists are represented by two societies, the First 
and South churches. The First Church had its beginning in May, 1889, 
the organization of a local society of fifteen in June, 1889, resulting from 
that meeting. In February, 1890, the society was incorporated, their 
first meetings being held in Howland Chapel. When that was outgrown 
a building of their own was erected on Weld street, near Pleasant. 

South Street Primitive Church is located on County street, near 
Thompson; is presided over by Rev. Charles H. Kershaw. 

Baptist Churches — The First Baptist Church had its beginning June 
22, 1813, when persons met at the home of Philip Cannon, Jr., in New 
Bedford to "consult and conclude on the propriety of uniting in fellow- 
ship as a Church of Christ in Gospel order." Articles of faith and cove- 
nant were adopted and on June 30 a council met at the house of James 
Tripp, approved the action taken and recognized the eighteen persons as 
the "First Baptist Church of New Bedford." Services were first held in 
a hall on North Second street, near Mill street ; the second place of wor- 
ship on the corner of South Second and School streets, in an old town 
hall, bought by the society and removed to the site from the Head-of- 
the-River. An act of incorporation was secured and on April 28, 1828, 
the First Baptist Society of New Bedford began its corporate existence. 
A church edifice was completed in 1829 at the present site, William, 
above Sixth street. 

North Baptist Church — On Friday evening, October 17, 1873, thirty 
members of the First Baptist Church, who had been officially dismissed 
tor the purpose, voted to constitute themselves the North Baptist Church 



292 NEW BEDFORD 

of New Bedford. The church edifice is located on County street, corner 
of Merrimac. Rev. Nathan Bailey, pastor. 

Other churches of this faith in the city are: Elm Baptist, Middle, 
near County ; Pastor, Rev. Antone A. Anderson. French Baptist Church, 
i86 Cedar street ; Rev. Paul N. Cayer, pastor. Immanuel Baptist, Acush- 
net avenue, corner Nash road ; Rev. Vel Anderson, pastor. Portu- 
guese Baptist Mission, Thompson, corner of Crapo; Rev. F. C. B. Silva, 
pastor. South Baptist. Brock avenue, opposite Mott street ; Rev. Charles 
H. Cook. Union Baptist, corner Cedar and Court. 

The Society of Friends — The first recorded evidence of the existence 
of an organized body of Friends is found in an agreement and a list of 
subscribers to the erection of a meeting house at Apponagansett, in the 
year 1698. The signers were among the leading citizens of the town of 
Dartmouth at that time and descendants are yet numerous in the section 
the meeting covered. 

For nearly a hundred years the Dartmouth Monthly Meeting was 
supreme in the section. New Bedford Monthly Meeting being found in 
December, 1792. The meeting house of the society is on Spring street, 
between South Sixth and Seventh. Ministers, William Thompson and 
Susan T. Thompson. 

Grace Protestant Episcopal Church — On October 2, 1833, ^ meeting 
was held in Mechanics Hall when the first steps were taken toward the 
formation of a Protestant Episcopal church in New Bedford. At a meet- 
ing held November 12 following, the name Grace Church was adopted, 
and on December 15, 1833, the first Sunday service was held and on 
July 30, 1835, a wooden church of Gothic style was erected. The corner- 
stone of the present structure, corner of County and School streets, was 
laid on September 11, 1880, the eminent Rev. Phillips Brooks assisting. 
The church was consecrated in October, 1882. In its tower is the first 
chime of bells ever brought to New Bedford. The present rector is Rev. 
Harry Beal. 

St. James Protestant Episcopal Church was founded in the spring of 
1878 by members of Grace Church, who were employees of the Wam- 
sutta Mills, their homes being in that section and remote from Grace. 
The first service was held in a shed on Purchase street, near the mills. 
Wamsutta muslin, cloth and calico covering the unsightly portions, a 
borrowed parlor organ and an extemporized choir furnishing the music, 
Rev. C. H. Proctor, a young divinity graduate, officiating. On March 28, 
1878, articles of association were drawn up and the name St. James 
adopted. On Easter Day, April 21, the parish received its legal organi- 
zation and title and Mr. Proctor was instituted rector, and Tuesday even- 
ing, on December 24, 1878, service was first held in a new church edifice, 
although the building was not entirely completed. The church is located 
on County street, corner of Linden. Rev. Ivan C. Fortin, rector. 



NEW BEDFORD 293 

St. Martin's Protestant Episcopal Church — This church is an out- 
growth of a Sunday school which developed into Olivet Mission, and 
was originally established to meet the religious needs of the English 
people of the south end. A stone church was begun June i, 1891, conse- 
crated, and a first service held April 16, 1892. This church is located on 
County street, corner of Rivet street. Rev. Raymond H. Kendrick, 
rector. 

St. Andrew's Protestant Episcopal Church is located on Belleville 
road, near Acushnet avenue. Rev. H. E. Edenborg, rector. 

The First Presbyterian Church — The first services for Presbyterians 
in New Bedford were held in Rowland Chapel, October 17, 1886, and a 
church organization effected by a commission of the Presbytery of Bos- 
ton, April 6, 1887. Rev. W. Howell Buchanan was installed pastor May 
10, 1887, he having been placed in charge of the work of organization. 
The Sunday school was organized February 6, 1887. The church edifice 
stands at No. 523 County street. Rev. J. Edward Grant, pastor. 

North Christian Church — Old North Christian Church, corner of 
Purchase and Middle streets, is one of the landmarks of New Bedford, 
having stood since 1833. The founders of the society were formerly 
members of the Baptist Church in Dartmouth and were constituted a 
Christian church January 25, 1807, a church edifice having been built on 
Middle street at the head of Sixth in 1805. The first settled minister, so 
far as the records show, was Elder Benjamin Taylor, who began his 
labors in 1812. There were local troubles in the church and on March 
14, 1833, a reorganized church was incorporated under a charter from 
the General Court and the old North Church erected. The present pas- 
tor is Rev. Frank H. Peters. 

Middle Street Christian Church was formed by seceding members 
from North Christian Church in 1828, nine members withdrawing. In 
1834 they moved to the church on Middle street vacated by North Chris- 
tian congregation, when they moved to their new church, corner Pur- 
chase and Middle. There many changes were made in the building, the 
vestry being arranged with particular regard for the needs of Sunday 
school and prayer meetings. The church no longer used by the society 
is now occupied by the African Methodist Episcopal Church. 

South Street Christian Church — This society was constituted a 
Christian church in September, 1852, although a church was dedicated 
on Bonney street, near Sherman, June 9, 1852, Rev. George H. Eldridge 
the first regular pastor. 

Spruce Street Christian Church— As an outgrowth of a meeting held 
April 26, 1859, Mission Sunday School was begun with fifteen scholars, 
of which George W. Parker was superintendent. A chapel was built and 
other property acquired, which in 1867 was presented to the society. 



294 NEW BEDFORD 

which had incorporated as the Spruce Street Mission Society. In 1868 
a pastor was settled and in June 1869 it became an organized church. 

Advent Christian Church — In the spring of 1840 William Miller, of 
New York, delivered several lectures in New Bedford on "The Second 
Coming of Christ," fixing the date of his coming between March, 1843 
and March, 1844. These lectures were held in North Christian Church 
and found supporters among other churches, about twenty withdrawing 
from their former church connections and formed a congregation which 
as Advent Christian Church, in 1879, erected a church on Foster street. 

The Second Advent Church is located on Sycamore street, corner of 
Emerson. Rev. Willis G. Brown, pastor. 

Seventh Day Adventist Church is at the corner of Willow and Bul- 
lock streets. F. H. Tripp, elder. 

The First Church of Christ (Scientist) — This church, a branch of 
the mother church, the First Church of Christ (Scientist), Boston, Mas- 
sachusetts, was the outgrowth of the devoted labor of James E. Brierly, 
C. S. D. (teacher). The little Bible school he formed in January, 1887, 
has grown to be a strong church organization with a permanent congre- 
gation which fills the church on County street, corner of Mill, dedicated 
August 27, 1916. A reading room, open to all, is maintained in the book- 
store building on Union street, where authorized Christian Science litera- 
ture may be read, bought or borrowed. Mrs. Ella F. Hillman, C. S., is 
first reader, elected in September, 1917, for a term of three years, succeed- 
ing Mrs. Alice B. Taber, C. S. 

The Universalist Church — While missionary preachers of the Uni- 
versalist faith came to New Bedford at infrequent periods, the first 
clergyman named in any society record was Rev. Alanson St. Claire, who 
was present at a meeting held in the old town hall, November 2, 1833, to 
organize a church society and was chosen on the committee to draft a 
constitution. An organization was effected and officers elected January 
6, 1834, but no further record appears. On April 19, 1836, a meeting was 
held for the purpose of forming a Universalist Society. At that meeting 
a constitution was agreed upon and a warrant issued to call a meeting at 
which organization would be completed. A house of worship was erected 
at the southeast corner of Fifth and School streets, which was sold in 
April, 1849, thus canceling all debts incurred in its erection. Rev. Hiram 
Van Campen began ministrations as pastor November 30, 185 1, reorgan- 
ized the church and organized a Sunday school, giving way two years 
later to engage in secular business. Rev. B. V. Stevenson became pastor 
February 18, 1854, and on August 15, 1855, the church on William street, 
near Eighth, was dedicated free from debt. A distinct church organiza- 
tion was effected in October, 1855, the legal corporation title being the 
First Universalist Society of New Bedford. Rev. Frederick H. Wilmot is 
the present pastor. 



NEW BEDFORD 295 

Roman Catholic Churches — The first house of wors:._^ bailt in New 
Bedford for Catholics was erected in 1820 on Allen street, Bishop Chev- 
erns, of Boston, dedicating it in 1821. The church served its purpose for 
nearly thirty years, then was discarded and the old Universalist church, 
corner of Fifth and School streets, was purchased in 1849 ^"^ the parish 
was settled under the patronage of St. Mary. In course of time the con- 
gregation of St. Mary's increased so much in numbers that more commo- 
dious accommodations became a necessity. Father Henniss, then pastor, 
bought land at the corner of County and Hillman streets, which was 
fully paid for and a building fund started when Rev. Laurence S. Mc- 
Mahon came to the church in 1865. In May, 1866, ground was broken 
for a new edifice, the cornerstone laid the following November, the title 
for the new church being that of the patron saint of the pastor, St. Law- 
rence, the Martyr. The patron saint of the greater number of the parish- 
ioners, St. Patrick, was chosen as the protector of the chapel con- 
nected with the church. The church edifice was finished and dedicated 
in 1870, the chapel having been finished in 1868 and dedicated in 1869. 
Rev. Hugh J. Smyth is the present pastor. 

St. James' Catholic Church — On January 8, 1888, Rev. Father Smyth, 
pastor of St. Lawrence Church, announced to his congregation that a 
new parish would be set off from the existing one and would be consti- 
tuted of those Catholics living south of Madison and Hawthorn streets. 
Mass was first celebrated in the new parish January 15, 1888, Father 
James F. Clark, in St. Mary's School building. A tract of two acres, 
corner of County and Rockland streets, was soon purchased and a granite 
church was finished, in which the first mass was celebrated on Sunday, 
May 15, 1892. The present pastor is Rev. Henry Noon. 

While for several years St. Lawrence Church had jurisdiction overall 
New Bedford and vicinity, the rapid growth of Portuguese and French- 
Canadian communities soon demanded priests of their own nativity. 
The many Portuguese Catholics, some 800, prior to 1S69 worshipped at 
St. Mary's Church. Father Noya, a Portuguese priest, came from the 
Azores in 1867, but he had hardly begun his work among his country- 
men when death claimed him. In 1869 Rev. Joao Ignacio da Incarnacio 
— Father John Ignatius — was stationed as priest, the use of St. Mary's 
being given them for several years. The patron saint chosen was St. 
John the Baptist, the church yet bearing that name. With the aid of 
English-speaking Catholics, Father Ignatius was able in 1874 to break 
ground for the erection of a church at the corner of Wing and Fifth 
streets. The cornerstone was laid September 27, 1874, and on June 27, 
1875, the Sunday following the feast of St. John the Baptist, the church 
was dedicated. The present pastor is Rev. Christiano J. Borges. 

Church of the Sacred Heart — In the few years following 1870 the 
French Catholic members of St. Lawrence parish were ministered to by 



296 NEW BEDFORD 

French priests, assistants of Father McMahon, at the mother church. 
But the need of a French parish was imperative and in August, 1876, 
the cornerstone of the church at the corner of Ashland and Robeson 
streets was laid and the church dedicated in January, 1877. Rev. O. 
Valois is the present pastor. 

St. Hyacinthe Church — This is also a French parish set off in 1887, 
comprising at first one hundred families, ministered to by priest from 
Sacred Heart parish. Later the church on Rivet street, west of County 
street, was built. The present pastor. Rev. Arthur Savoie. 

Other Catholic churches of the city are : Church of the Immaculate 
Conception, 1238 Acushnet avenue. Holy Rosary, Acushnet avenue; 
Henry J. Mussley, pastor. Mt. Carmel, Rivet, corner of Bonney street; 
Rev. Antonio P. Viera, pastor. Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Front, near 
Coggeshall street; Rev. Hugo Dylla, pastor. St. Anne's, Ruth, corner of 
Brock avenue; Rev. E. T. Giguere, pastor. St. Anthony, Acushnet 
avenue, corner of Bullard ; Rev. L. A. Marchand, pastor. St. Boniface, 
Coggeshall, corner of Purchase street; Rev. Nicholas Fett, pastor. St. 
Hedwig's, Delano, corner of South Second street; Rev. Francis A. Mro- 
zinski, pastor. St. Joseph's, Acushnet avenue, corner of Duncan ; Rev. 
Jovite Chagnon, pastor. St. Killian's, Davis, corner of Bowditch street ; 
Rev. James J. Brady, pastor. Church of the Holy Name, County, corner 
of Dudley ; Rev. James F. Coffey, pastor. Our Lady of the Assumption, 
368 South Water street ; Rev Arnold De Rijcke, pastor. 

Other Churches — Unity Home, 99 Tallman street; W. E. Wood, 
pastor. Cannonville Chapel, Kempton, corner of Rochdale avenue. 
Church of God and Saints of Christ, Middle, near Cedar street ; Rev. 
Howard L. Chase, pastor. City Mission, Dennison Memorial building: 
Rev. C. F. Hersey, missionary. Clifford Union Chapel Association, 
Acushnet avenue, near Braley road. First Spiritual Harmony Church, 
1656 Purchase street. Jewish Synagogues. 51 Howland street and 334 
First street ; Leauatti Hatzedeck. Home Gospel Mission, rear of 332 
Kempton. New Church Society (Swedenborgian), Cornell Hall, 736 
Pleasant street ; Rev. Fred S. Mayer, pastor. Pentacostal Church of the 
Nazarene, corner Kempton and Cottage streets ; Rev. Theodore E. Beebe, 
pastor. Rockdale Free Chapel Association, Hathaway road. Salvation 
Army Barrack, 279 Acushnet avenue ; Alfred Ayres, adjutant Salvation 
Army Industrial Home, 10 Spring street ; Norman Craik, captain. Sea- 
men's Bethel, 15 Bethel street : Rev. Charles S. Thurber, chaplain. Shaw- 
mut Church. 

Missionary, Benevolent and Charitable Organizations — Organized 
mission work in New Bedford began as early as 1826, when a religious 
tract society was formed, composed largely of members of the North 
Congregational Church ; its first president, Joseph Bourne ; the first sec- 
retary, Charles Moggridge. 




■I..\.M!..\ .^ l:i/riiiJ,. 



NEW BEDFORD 297 

Other organizations contemporary with the above, having various 
phases of city mission work at heart and accomplishing a great deal of 
good ; mission Sunday schools have been conducted, services held and 
evening schools maintained. Through the exertions of Edward S. Can- 
non money was raised and a chapel erected on South Water, near Leon- 
ard street, that was long a rallying point. The society managing the 
affairs of the chapel was incorporated and reorganized February i, 1868, 
under the name of the New Bedford Ladies' City Mission. The mission 
is maintained through the interest of several churches, being non-sec- 
tarian. The monthly meetings of the society are held in Trinitarian 
Church Home. 

The Seamen's Bethel is a child of the New Bedford Port Society, 
and both were organized with the welfare of mariners as their main pur- 
pose, the second article of the constitution of the Port Society reading: 
"The object of this society shall be to protect the rights and interests of 
seamen and to furnish them with such moral, intellectual and religious 
instruction as the board of managers shall deem practicable." To for- 
ever settle the non-sectarian character of the institution and forestall 
any dissension among the members who were drawn from different de- 
nominations, the following resolution was adopted at the first annual 
meeting: "Resolved, That as the society is composed of different de- 
nominations, the form of worship in the seamen's chapel about to be built 
shall not be exclusively under the control of any sect." The society was 
incorporated under a special act passed February 15, 1S32, Samuel Rod- 
man, Jr., being the first elected president. The first chapel was erected 
in 183 1 on what is now Bethel street at a cost of $5,000. The chapel was 
dedicated and the Bethel flag first flung to the breeze May 2, 1832. The 
first regular chaplain was Rev. Enoch Mudge, who began his labors 
April 2-j, 1832, and served faithfully for twelve years. In January, 1851, 
Sarah Rotch Arnold presented to the society the mansion of her deceased 
father, William Rotch, Jr., for a Mariners' Home, that gift followed by a 
bequest of $10,000 upon her death in i860. In 1866 the Bethel was 
partially destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt and reopened July 26, 1867. 
At one time the shipping merchants of the port paid a voluntary tax to 
the society on their tonnage, realizing its special benefit to seamen, for 
whose service it was dedicated. With the decline of New Bedford as a 
port of entry, the society became more general in its character as mis- 
sion, as at present. Rev. Charles S. Thurber, chaplain. 

The ladies' branch of the Port Society was formed June 12, 1833, 
Mrs. James A. Arnold the first president. As in all church and charita- 
ble work the ladies have been the main stay and support of the society, 
one fair they held in 1861 netting the handsome sum of $1,800, one-half of 
which was at once applied to extinguish a debt upon the Bethel. They 
also maintained a clothing store for seamen for about four years and 



298 NEW BEDFORD 

went in and out among the families of absent seamen, seeking to help and 
aid those who were in need of a friend. Elizabeth H. Swift is president. 

Another organization of worthy motive and usefulness is the Union 
for Good Works, organized in 1870, its object "to good and grow better." 
It cares for the poor, aids them to become self-reliant and self-supporting, 
provides reading, rest, reception and amusement rooms at No. 12 Market 
street, gives popular entertainments in the winter season and fills a most 
useful place in city life. Under the will of James Arnold, who died in 
1868, $100,000 was left in charge of three trustees, the income to be used 
to aid New Bedford's poor. Of this amount the union receives about 
three-fourths of this income annually, dues, membership assessments, 
legacies and gifts forming the other sources of revenue. The officers are 
chosen annually. 

St. Luke's Hospital — This is one of New Bedford's private charities, 
incorporated in 1884, having at first fifteen beds, now grown to an institu- 
tion having one hundred and seventy-five beds, with a training school for 
nurses, graduating a yearly class. The buildings are located at the corner 
of Page and Allen streets. 

St. Joseph's Hospital — This institution is under the control of the 
Sisters of Mercy. The hospital, located on Pleasant street, corner of 
Campbell, was opened in 1872. 

The Association for the Relief of Aged Women — The object of this 
association is "to furnish assistance and relief to respectable aged Ameri- 
can women of New Bedford." A number of New Bedford women organ- 
ized the association under the general laws of Massachusetts in 1866 and 
annual several thousands of dollars reach the objects of the association's 
care. 

The New Bedford Home for the Aged, No. 396 Middle street, was 
incorporated January 20, 1902. 

Other organized bodies of public usefulness and benefit are : New 
Bedford Dorcas Society, organized January 3, 1831. New Bedford Dis- 
trict Nursing Association, 202 Coffin building: Mrs. Jireh Swift, presi- 
dent. New Bedford Day Nurseries, 16 Howard street and 208 County 
street ; Elsie Swift, president. New Bedford City Mission, organized in 
1846; Betsey B. Winslow, president. Dispensary, 755 First street; open 
daily, except Sunday. New Bedford Children's Aid Society, No. 12 Mar- 
ket street ; Dr. Anna W. Croacher, president. New Bedford Branch, 
Massachusetts Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Children, No. 12 Mar- 
ket street ; James P. Doran, president. Charity Organization of New 
Bedford, No. 12 Market street: Frederick H. Taber, president. Annual 
Rescue League, 36 Hillman street : Edward Stone, manager. 

The Young Men's Christian Association — The credit of being the 
first man to take steps toward founding a Young Men's Christian Asso- 
ciation belongs to George Williams, a young man just under legal age in 



NEW BEDFORD 299 

1841, when while a clerk in the dry goods store of Hitchcock & Com- 
pany, London, he gathered eighty fellow clerks for prayer and Bible 
study in the bedrooms on the premises after work for the day was over. 
From this came the first Young Men's Christian Association formed any- 
where in the world, the date of organization, June 6, 1844. The first asso- 
ciation in the United States was organized in Boston, December 29, 1851, 
followed the same year by the formation of associations in New York, 
Buffalo, Washington, Baltimore and New Bedford, the life of the last 
named being a brief one. The spirit of the movement was revived by 
the formation of the Young Men's Christian Association of the County 
Street Church, the result of a meeting held in the vestry of the County 
Street Methodist Episcopal Church, April 21, 1867, followed by organiza- 
tion May 6. The founders of this association, in their unwisdom, limited 
membership to those belonging to County Methodist Episcopal Church, 
but on September 5, 1867, it was voted to eliminate that clause and 
change the name to that of the Young Men's Christian Association of 
New Bedford, and admit any young man so long as he was a member 
of some church. After temporary homes in different buildings, the asso- 
ciation began making efforts to secure a permanent home, in keeping 
with the importance of the work in which they engaged. The New Bed- 
ford Young Men's Association was incorporated in September, 1882, the 
constitution and by-laws in conformity with true association ideas. The 
cornerstone of the present brick building. Sixth and William streets, was 
laid on Monday, October 6, 1890, and the building first occupied Decem- 
ber 28, 1891. The first general secretary was W. P. Webster, who 
assumed his duties in January, 1880. Charles Mitchell, president; Wil- 
liam H. Chapin, general secretary. It is one of the forces for good in 
the community whose value cannot be overestimated. The Woman's 
Auxiliary is an important aid to association work. Mrs. Cynthia Cald- 
well, president. 

The Young Women's Christian Association, Mrs. Annie C. How- 
land, president, has its building and headquarters at No. 66 Spring street. 
Ruth R. Hawking, general secretary. This association, similar in its 
aims and objects and general plans of work to the men's association, is 
equally abundant in resulting good. 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 
The Public Schools. 

School Board (1917)— Charles S. Ashley, mayor, chairman, ex-officio. 
Clarence A. Cook, vice-chairman. Term expires January i, 1918 — Anna 
W. Croacher, 325 Pleasant street; Napoleon Beaulieu. Term expires 
January i, 1919 — Edward W. Sherman; Samuel F. Winsper, City Manu- 
facturing Company. Term expires January i, 1920 — Clarence A. Cook; 
Joseph Eccleston. 

Secretary and Superintendent of Schools — Allen P. Keith. 

Inspector of School Property — Daniel H. Ferguson. 

Board of Trustees of Industrial School — Edgar B. Hammond, chair- 
man. Allen P. Keith, secretary. Term expires February, 1918 — Frank 
S. Tripp, Napoleon Beaulieu, W. S. Davenport. Term expires Febru- 
ary, 1919 — E. B. Hammond, C. T. Bosworth, Caroline H. Wilson. Term 
expires February, 1920 — Anna W. Croacher, William Ritchie, Patrick 
Sweeney. 

Location of School Buildings — High School, County street, head of 
William street. 

Grammar — Parker Street, Parker street, near County street. Hosea 
M. Knowlton, corner County and Coggeshall streets. Middle Street, 
Summer street, between Elm and Middle streets. Allen F. Wood, corner 
Pleasant and Russell streets. Robert C. Ingraham, Rivet street. James 
B. Congdon, corner Hemlock and Thompson streets. 

Mixed — Harrington Memorial, corner Court and Tremont streets. 
Abraham Lincoln, Bowditch street. Betsey B. Winslow, corner Allen 
and Brownell streets. John H. Clifford, Coggeshall street. Thomas 
Donaghy. South street. William H. Taylor, Brock avenue. Thomas R. 
Rodman, Mill, corner Rockdale avenue. Jireh Swift, Acushnet avenue, 
near Lunds Corner. Katharine Street, Katharine street, between Orchard 
and Bonney streets. 

Primary — Phillips Avenue, Phillips avenue, corner of Bowditch 
street. Cedar Grove Street, Cedar Grove street, near Acushnet avenue. 
Clark Street, Clark street, corner of Myrtle street. Merrimac street, 
Merrimac street, corner of State street. Mary B. White, corner Pleasant 
and Maxfield streets. Horatio A. Kempton, Shawmut avenue, near Mait- 
land street. Cedar Street, corner Cedar and Maxfield streets. Sylvia 
Ann Howland, corner Pleasant and Kempton streets. Thomas A. Greene, 
corner Purchase and Madison streets. Acushnet Avenue, Acushnet ave- 
nue, near Grinnell street. Thompson Street, Thompson street, corner of 
Crapo street. Isaac W. Benjamin, Division street, between Acushnet 
avenue and Second street. Dartmouth Street, corner Dartmouth and 
Hickory streets. George H. Dunbar, corner Dartmouth and Dunbar 
streets. 

Suburban — Plainville, Plainville road. Rockdale, Hathaway road. 
Open-air School, Sassaquin Sanatorium. 

Portables— Portable, i Middle street. Portable, 3 Parker street. 
Portable, i South street. Portable, i Thompson street. Portable, 3 
Division street. Portable, i Dunbar street. Portable, i Acushnet ave- 
nue. Portable, i Madison street. Portable, i Coggeshall and Bowditch 




I in; 11 s''i I. 




SWAIN FREE SCIH 



NEW BEDFORD 3«i 

streets. Portable, i Clark street. Portable, 3 Phillips avenue. Portable, 
I Coggeshall and County streets. Portable, i Rowland School. Porta- 
ble, I Sassaquin Sanatorium. 

The appropriation for schools in 1917 was $558,000. In addition to 
the schools wholly maintained by the city are private and parochial 
schools, including the Swain Free School of Design, Friends' Academy, 
the New Bedford Textile School and the New Bedford Industrial School. 
A part of the expense of the latter two schools is borne by the State. 

A contract has been awarded to the B. F. Smith Company for the 
erection of a new one-story school house on the lot bounded by Hatha- 
way, Diman and Earle streets and Belleville avenue. This construction 
will cost $166,953, without furnishings. The work will be completed 
about January i, 1918. 

School Department — The school board consists of six members, and 
mayor chairman, cx-officio. The board room and superintendent's office, 
166 William street. Open 8:30 a. m. to 4:30 p. m., except Saturdays; on 
Saturdays, from 8 130 to 11:00 a. m., 2 :oo to 4 :oo p. m. Regular meetings 
of board, second and last Fridays in each month at 8:00 p. m., excepting 
July and August. In July and August on last Friday. 

Calendar (1917-1918) — Terms: Spring term begins February 5, 
1917, ends June 29, 1917; fall term begins September 5, 1917, ends Feb- 
ruary I, 1918. Vacations: Spring vacation, one week, beginning April 2, 
1917; summer vacation, beginning June 29, 1917; Christmas vacation, 
two weeks, beginning December 24, 1917. Holidays': Washington's 
Birthday, February 22; Patriots' Day, April 19; Memorial Day, May 30; 
Columbus Day, October 12; from Wednesday noon before Thanksgiving, 
the remainder of the week. 

School Sessions — High School: 8:30 a. m. to i :i5 p. m. Grammar 
and Manual Training Schools: Morning session 9:00 to 11:45 o'clock; 
afternoon session, i :30 to 3 :45 o'clock, without recess. Primary and 
Kindergarten classes : Morning session at 8 :45 to 1 1 :45 o'clock ; after- 
noon session, i :30 to 3 :30 o'clock ; recess in these classes for every pupil, 
fifteen minutes in the forenoon, ten minutes in the afternoon, as near the 
middle of the session as practicable. In all other classes the sessions are 
prescribed by the superintendent, subject to the approval of the board. 

The foregoing facts constitute the framework around which has been 
built a wonderfully efficient system of public instruction. The school 
report for the year ending June 30, 1916, thus enumerates: 

School organization : 

High school J 

Grammar schools ° 

Mixed schools— Grammar, Primary and Ungraded 9 

Primary schools '4 

Subiirhan schools 2 

Fresh Air schools 2 



302 NEW BEDFORD 

Conservation of Eyesight school i 

Cooking schools 3 

Manual Training schools 4 

School buildings: 

Permanent schoolhouses 34 

Portable schoolhouses 20 

54 

Teachers and principals (whole number in service, January, 1917): 

High school: 47 teachers, i clerk 48 

Elementary schools 359 

Special teachers and assistants 28 

School nurses 3 

Evening High school 14 

Evening Elementary schools 86 

Total 538 

191S 1916 

Enrollment of pupils 16,256 17,100 increase 844 

Average membership 13,176 13754 increase 578 

Average daily attendance 12,431 12,827 increase 396 

Other Schools — Friends' Academy, located west of County street, 
between Morgan and Elms streets, a day school for boys and girls. Its 
history dates from the year iSio, when William Rotch erected a building 
on the southeast corner of County and Elm streets, which became known 
as Friends' Academy, and served two generations prior to i860, when the 
building was sold and removed. A charter was secured February 29, 
1812, and the old building used until i860, when a new structure at No. 
25 Morgan street was completed and the old building moved away to 
be used as a tenement. The school has always maintained a high repu- 
tation and within its walls many men of eminence in New Bedford during 
the past century received their education entirely or in part. 

The Swain Free School of Design — On the ocean washed island of 
Nantucket, William W. Swain was born January 20, 1793, a man whose 
life was to have a most important bearing on the lives and fortunes of 
many of New Bedford's sons and daughters. In 1800 the Swain family 
moved to New Bedford, where William W. Swain married October 27, 
1818, Lydia Russell, daughter of Gilbert and Lydia Russell. They were 
the parents of two sons, one dying very young, the other, Robert, born 
February 21, 1823, died in Harrisonburg, Virginia, June 15, 1844, an 
invalid from his ninth year, but a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy 
and Harvard College It was the death of the son that turned the deso- 
lated hearts of the parents to thoughts of how best they could use the 
wealth that would have been his. Mr. Swain died September 20, 1858. 
Mrs. Swain died December 25, 1878, aged eighty-five. He left property 



NEW BEDFORD 303 

and money tor founding a school, which his will thub described: "My 
hope is that the provision herein made will be sufficient for establishing 
and supporting a school of high character, where the pupils may receive 
a thorough education upon the most liberal and enlightened principles 
free of any charge of tuition. My intention is that the school shall never 
be in any form or degree exclusive, either religiously or politically, but 
open for the admission of all whose good character and condition entitle 
them to share in its benefits, and of this the trustees are to be the sole 
judges." 

The Swain Free School was incorporated March 18, 1881 ; opened as 
a classical school October 25, 1882. Later the school became the Swain 
Free School of Design, with courses in general art, design, normal art, 
arts and crafts, architecture, jewelry and metal, ceramics, painting, 
sketching and modeling. A related organization is the Atelier Swain, 
the Society of Beaux Arts Architects, New York City and the Swain Art 
Club. 

Harry A. Neyland, director and head of the faculty, is an artist of 
note, whose work has been highly commended by the metropolitan press. 
New Bedford Textile School — The Legislature of the Common- 
wealth of Massachusetts, in the act under which the trustees of the New 
Bedford Textile School were incorporated, gives as the purpose of the 
incorporation that of establishing and maintaining a textile school for 
instruction in the theory and practical art of textile and kindred branches 
of industry. The school went into operation in 1899 and the first class 
was graduated in 1900. The regular courses were at first one year in 
length. This continued for several years, but these were afterward 
lengthened and now the regular diploma courses are three years long. 
Special courses of shorter length are arranged, however, for students for 
which certificates are granted. 

Since the school was opened, over seven thousand students have 
attended the school and received instruction in courses of various lengths. 
Of these, two thousand, one hundred and fourteen have been awarded 
diplomas or certificates. Reports received from them show that the 
knowledge acquired in this school has proved of great benefit to them in 
securing more rapid advancement in the industry than would have been 
possible without such instruction. Employers and employees both unite 
in testimony as to the value of the textile schools in promoting the effi- 
ciency, broadening the scope of opportunity, and securing advancement 
in the cotton mills and allied industries to those who have had the advan- 
tages offered by them. 

Officers of the corporation for the year 191 7: 

President — William E. Hatch. 
Treasurer — Frederic Taber. 
Clerk — James O. Thompson, Jr. 



304 NEW BEDFORD 

Trustees — On behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts : Wil- 
liam E. Hatch; Abbott P. Smith, director Butler, New Bedford Cotton, 
Quissett, Soule and Taber Mills. Ex-officio on part of the City of New 
Bedford : Hon. Charles S. Ashley, mayor ; Allen P. Keith, superintendent 
of schools. 

Trustees at Large — Lewis E. Bentley ; George E. Briggs, director 
Whitman Mills ; Charles O. Brightman ; William A. Congdon, agent 
Whitman Mills ; Hon. W. W. Crapo, president Acushnet, Potomska and 
Wamsutta Mills; William O. Devoll, treasurer Potomska Mills; Charles 
O. Dexter, agent Beacon Manufacturing Company ; John DufT, president 
Soule Mill, and director Bristol Mill ; Thomas F. Glennon, agent Quis- 
sett Mill; Charles M. Holmes, treasurer Holmes Mill and Gosnold Mill; 
N. B. Kerr, vice-president Butler Mill, and director New Bedford 
Cotton Mill ; Edward O. Knowles ; John Neild, agent Neild Mill ; Hon. 
David L. Parker, director Pierce and Potomska Mills ; Hon. Samuel 
Ross, secretary Mule Spinners' Union ; John Sullivan, agent of Taber 
Mill ; Frederic Taber, president Taber Mill, New Bedford Safe Deposit 
and Trust Company, and New Bedford Cooperative Bank; James O. 
Thompson, Jr., agent New Bedford Cotton Mills; William A. Twiss, 
superintendent Kilburn Mill; Samuel F. Winsper, superintendent City 
Mill. 

Mosher Home Preparatory (29 Arnold Place)— Prof. Charles E. E. 
Mosher, principal until his death. A well-known and useful institution 
of the city for many years. 

Herrick's Institute of Civil Service — Henry B. Herrick, manager, 
135 Middle street. 

Benton's Business School — Charles E. Benton, Ph. B., principal and 
proprietor, 105 William street. 

Kinyon's Commercial School — Odd Fellows' Building, corner Wil- 
liam and Pleasant streets. 

The Caswell School of Shorthand was established by Emma A. Cas- 
well, a court reporter of highest ability. This school, founded in 1892, 
was conducted by Mrs. Caswell until her death in 1903, and is yet main- 
tained as a private school of shorthand by her daughter, Mrs. Carrie C. 
Sweet, at Room 32, Masonic Building. 

Vocational School of the City of New Bedford — This wonderful 
trade school is supported by the city and is absolutely free to all 
residents of New Bedford city. So long as its management is satis- 
factory to proper commonwealth representatives, the State of Massa- 
chusetts will reimburse the city to the extent of one-half the annual cost 
of the school. The school was established under the following ordinance : 

Ordered : — That an independent industrial school be and is hereby 
established, to be in charge of a board of trustees to be elected by the 
school committee, who shall provide and maintain such school for the 
instruction in the principles of agriculture and the domestic and mechanic 
arts, as permitted in Chapter 505 of the Acts of 1906, as supplemented by 
Chapter 572 of the Acts of 1908, and for evening courses in such subjects 
for the benefit of persons already employed in trade ; and if deemed expe- 



NEW BEDFORD 305 

dient by the said trustees, for the instruction in part-time classes of chil- 
dren between the ages of fourteen and eighteen years who may be em- 
ployed during the remainder of the day. 

Such school shall be approved by the Commission on Industrial Edu- 
cation of the Commonwealth as to location, courses, and methods of 
instruction, before any money appropriated by the city for the mainte- 
nance of said school shall be expended, and all appropriations shall be 
expended with the approval of said commission. 

And the said board of trustees shall so conduct said school and do all 
things that may be necessary to entitle the city to be reimbursed by the 
commonwealth the proportion of expense so incurred in the manner and 
amount provided by law. 

October 22, 1908. Adopted in concurrence. 

October 23, 1908. Presented to and approved by the mayor. 

The school was opened in the old George L. Brownell carriage 
manufacturing plant and has developed into a most valuable vocational 
school, with a machine department, George W. G. Poole, head ; carpentry 
department, Oliver H. Gardner, head; power department, H. Percy Ar- 
nold, head; electrical department, Ernest F. Lawrence, head; home-mak- 
ing department, Elizabeth C. Jenkins, head. There are special evening 
classes in the machine, power, electrical, paper-hanging and plumbing 
departments, and in the home-making department in sewing, millinery 
and cooking. Under the State law all evening instruction in this school 
must be in trade extension courses and can be taken by those men over 
seventeen years of age, who are employed during the day in the occupa- 
tion for which they desire instruction. The various departments are well 
equip])ed, the nxachinery, furniture, apparatus, tools and supplies of the 
machine department inventorying $18,686.95; the carpentry department, 
$3,006.86; the power department, $10,099.18; the electrical department, 
$3,481.39; the home-making department, $4,083.71. The figures are up 
to December i, 1916. The enrollment at the same date was: 

00 

Boys' Day School — full-time pupils '^ 

Boys' Day School — part-time pupils '° 

Girls' Day School — full-time pupils 39 

Girls' Day School — part-time pupils 7' 

Men's Evening School pupils ^ '9<' 

Women's Evening School pupils 3-14 

7.=i7 
Co.st of school from December 6, 191 5, to December 4, 1916: 

Equipment Items : 

Rent $3.i.=;o.oo 

Equipment and Tools 1,102.95 

Maintenance Items: 

Salaries and Labor $31,131.97 

Fuel, Water, Gas and Electricity 2,ji<g.l3 

Office. Janitor and Class Room Supplies 2.573-43 

Material for Shops 7,2-5-37 

Repairs and Replacements 1,31903 

Total $48,891.88 

N. B.— 20 



3o6 NEW BEDFORD 

One-half of net maintenance cost, paid by the State $16,245.65 

Tuition receipts, from non-residents 4,805.55 

Cash 2,893.05 

$23,944.25 
Net Cost to City $24,947.63 

In the machine department the aim is to give solid, all-round trade 
training to the boy who can complete the full cour.se. The instruction is 
so arranged, however, that if only a part of the course can be completed, 
training on definite lines and for efficiency in the operation and care of 
one type of machine can be assured. 

In the carpentry department the equipment is ample for forty-five 
pupils, each boy having a bench and set of tools. Boys who complete the 
course in this department secure a good apprenticeship training as house 
carpenters or pattern-makers. Boys who can complete only a part of this 
course are taught the proper care and use of tools, to lay out their work 
and figure the stock required and to realize the value of personal effort 
and attainment. A small number of boys are allowed to specialize on 
pattern-making, as there is a growing demand for this class of wood- 
workers at this time. 

On entering the power department a boy is made assistant fireman; 
he is taught to make and keep a good fire, weigh and make a record of 
the amount of coal burned, ashes taken out, and volume of water evap- 
orated ; he learns to handle injectors, pumps, traps, and other necessary 
fireroom apparatus, and to be accurate and reliable in his work. Thor- 
ough instruction in installing steam, gas and water pipes is also given in 
this department. Each boy is properly prepared for all the duties of an 
assistant fireman before the close of his second year. 

A boy completing the full course in the electrical department should 
be able to render satisfactory service as operating assistant on central 
station maintenance and repairs, in the handling of switchboards, and 
the keeping of necessary log sheet records ; also to install and keep in 
continuous service electric motors and generators, light, telephone, and 
bell circuits, and have a general knowledge of storage batteries and mag- 
netos. He should be able to make necessary calculations and drawings 
to show proposed work which may be given him to do. 

In the home-making department the aim is to develop a course that 
makes the hands of the girls skillful in cooking, cleaning, sewing, millin- 
ery, and the home care of the sick, and at the same time, constantly turns 
their minds towards responsibilities that they are already old enough to 
share with their mothers at home. It has, therefore, present use, though 
its aim is to make the girls intelligent and idealistic in their own later 
home-making. 

Faculty — Arthur S. Allen, director ; Russell B. Leonard, head of 
related work ; G. Tappan Little, instructor of related work. 



NEW BEDFORD 



307 



Parochial Schools — Angel Guardian, Acushnet avenue, corner of 
Logan. Holy Family, County street, near North. The Sacred Heart, 
No. 45 Robeson street. St. Anthony's. St. Hyacinth, Rivet street. St. 
John the Baptist De La Salle, West French avenue, corner of Brock ave- 
nue. St. Joseph's, Linden street, corner of State. St. Killian's, Earl 
street, corner of Bowditch. St. Mary's, Acushnet avenue, corner of Wing 
street. 




CHAPTER XL. 

Free Public Library. 

Instituted August i6, 1852. Established March 3, 1853; 160,000 
volumes. Open 9:00 a. m. to 9:00 p. m. week days; reading room open 
2:00 to 9:00 p. m. Sundays and holidays. New library building occu- 
pied December i, 1910. Branch reading rooms: Branch library, Weld 
street ; ward room, Blackmer and South Water streets ; over police sta- 
tion, corner Kempton and Cedar streets. 

Board of Trustees — Board consists of nine members, three ex-officio, 
and six elected by city council in convention, two annually, in April. 
Term of elected members, three years. No salary. Ex-officio members : 
The mayor, Charles S. Ashley; president of common council, Harrison 
T. Borden ; president of board of aldermen, Alderman Clifton W. Bart- 
lett. Elected members: Samuel F. Winsper, elected April, 1915, term 
expires 1918; Frank A. Milliken, elected April, 191 5, term expires 1918; 
Charles 1\L Holmes, elected April, 1916, term expires 1919; Francis M. 
Kennedy, elected April, 1916, term expires 1919; Abbott P. Smith, elected 
.April, 1917, term expires 1920; Otis S. Cook, elected April, 1917, term 
expires 1920. President of board, the mayor. 

Librarian — George H. Tripp. 

Cataloguer — Anna M. DeWolf. 

Assistants — Clement L. Yaeger, Josephine A. Merrick, Anna W. 
Cleveland, Edith H. Cobb, Grace D. Sherman, Minerva F. Maxfield, L. 
Gertrude Wilcox, Mary A. Chase, Jane E. Thuman, Jane E. Gardner, 
Louise C. Tourtellot, Ellen F. Dollard, Edith H. Brodhead, Marion 
Briggs, Ethel Wilcox, Alice H. Tripp. 

Branch Library Attendants — North, Elsie Collins, Amanda Dion ; 
south, John Wilkinson ; west, Mary Elizabeth Brown. 

Trustees of Bequests, Gifts and Trust Funds — Frederic Taber, 
elected April 12, 1917, term expires April, 1920; Abbott P. Smith, elected 
April 12, 1917, term expires April, 1919; Thomas S. Hathaway, elected 
April 12, 1917, term expires April, 1918. 

The Free Public Library — The act of Legislature authorizing cities 
and towns of Massachusetts to establish and maintain public libraries 
was passed May 24, 1851. New Bedford had its Library Society and its 
prosperous Social Library, but on May 27, 1852, a large petition, headed 
by James B. Congdon, was presented to the city council, asking that an 
act be passed authorizing the Free Public Library. The request was 
granted, $1,500 appropriated and the date of the appropriation bill pass- 
ing, July 20, 1852, is the date the establishment of the New Bedford Free 
Public Library. The library was opened to the public and the delivery 
of books begun in March, 1853, and it is an interesting fact to note that 
in his elaborate "Memoirs of Libraries," published in 1859 in London, 




fi:kk itbi-ic i.ip.uakv. 



NEW BEDFORD 309 

Edwards names but two libraries established in Massachusetts under the 
act of 1851 — one in New Bedford, the other in Boston. It is also to be 
noted that the act establishing the Boston Public Library was passed 
October 12, 1852, and the doors opened for the delivery of books May 2, 
1854, over a year later than the New Bedford Library. 

The cornerstone of the library building was laid August 28, 1856, 
addresses being delivered by George Rowland, Jr., mayor, and James B. 
Congdon. In his address Mr. Congdon made the statement borne out 
in several reports, that the Free Public Library was the first established 
by order of ordinance under the law of 1851 ; the first from which books 
were issued under said law ; that the library building was the second 
whose construction was commenced after its passage ; and that prior to 
its establishment and the delivery of books therefrom, there had never 
existed a library established and wholly supported and managed by a 
municipality, free to all the inhabitants, its books for the use, at the 
library or at home, of all the people without payment or pledge. 

This building which at first seemed to be fully adequate to the needs 
of the library for many years was outgrown in 1886, and a large addition 
was built joining the old building at right angles. The entire upper floor 
of the building was then given over to library purposes, the first floor 
being devoted to offices for the mayor, city clerk, city treasurer, city audi- 
tor and the board of assessors. Robert C. Ingraham was the first libra- 
rian and for nearly fifty years he held that post, the present successful 
library owing much to his careful, earnest and persistent labor and to 
the devoted interest he took in all that tended to increase its usefulness. 

After the fire of 1906 in the old City Hall, public sentiment almost 
immediately manifested itself in favor of remodeling the building as a 
Free Public Library. On March 30, 1908, commemorative exercises were 
held in the old building, which was a last farewell to the building which 
for seventy years had been the center of the civic life of the town and 
city. The order of exercises follows : 

Memories of Olden Days Orchestra 

Address by the Mayor and Chairman William J. Bullock 

America Audience 

Address— The City Hall of the Past William W. Crapo 

Address — The Library of the Future Rev. Matthew C. Julien 

Auld Lang Syne Audience 

The good-byes were said and hardly had the echoes died away before 
on December 3, 1910, the people were bidden to the opening of the build- 
ing, beautifully improved, that henceforth was to be the exclusive home 
of the New Bedford Free Public Library. The program for the exercises 
follows : 

Prayer Rev. Matthew C. Julien 

Introductory Remarks Mayor Charles S. Ashley 



3IO NEW BEDFORD 

Address The Public Library and the Community 

Frank P. Hill, Litt. D. 

Address The Public Library and the Public School 

Prof. William MacDonald. 

Address A Historical Sketch of the New Bedford Library 

George H. Tripp. 

Address What the Public Library Means to New Bedford 

Horace G. Wadlin, Litt. D. 

The facts about the building as recorded by the historians at these 
two memorable gatherings place its beginning in 1838, the funds used in 
its construction being in part received from the United States Govern- 
ment at the distribution of surplus revenue in 1837. 

The first public action looking toward such a building was taken 
at the town meeting, April 3, 1837, when the selectmen were authorized 
to purchase a lot on William street for the purpose of constructing a 
new market. At an adjourned meeting held on the 17th, it was voted to 
"appropriate that part of the surplus revenue which shall be apportioned 
to this town, together with the sum of $12,000, which is now in the treas- 
ury and applicable to that purpose, to the purchase of a lot and the erec- 
tion of a Town Hall and Market House on William street." 

Russell Warren, of Providence, was engaged as architect to assist 
the New Bedford designer, Seth H. Ingalls, and the contract was let to 
S. H. & W. Ingalls. James Howland, George Howland, Jr., Joseph Grin- 
nell, Zachariah Hillman, George T. Baker and James B. Congdon were 
appointed a committee of the town government in charge of construction. 
The building, one hundred feet long, sixty-one feet wide, three stories 
high, was constructed of local and Fall River granite, two massive fluted 
Doric columns guarding the front entrance. 

At first all the town and city offices were housed on the top floor, the 
main floor being reserved for a hall, the lower floor first used as a market. 
In 1854 the trustees of the Free Public Library desired the use of the 
lower floor, but they were able to secure their own building elsewhere. 
In 1872 the market was removed from the basement and until the fire of 
December 11, 1906, the building was used as a City Hall, and during its 
life as such — seventy years — its service was useful and varied, serving 
as a forum for all varieties of civic and political meetings and next as a 
convenient center for social gathering. 

The historical address at the dedicatory services, given by George 
H. Tripp, who succeeded Mr. Ingraham as librarian in 1901, is here largely 
drawn upon when not bodily quoted. Mr. Tripp prefaced his address by 
alluding to the great significance, that at the time when New Bedford 
was at the height of its fame as the greatest whaling city of the world ; 
when all the streets were literally running with oil ; when its material 
prosperity was great ; certain public-spirited citizens should have be- 



NEW BEDFORD 311 

stirred themselves to give New Bedford an opportunity to furnish a 
means for a more liberal culture in the arts of refinement. This proved 
that there is in American life a strong current of idealism even under the 
strongest material surroundings. 

When the Massachusetts Legislature in May, 1851, passed the act 
enabling municipal libraries to be formed, two or three of the citizens of 
New Bedford, notal)ly James B. Congdon and Warren Ladd, at once 
moved to arouse a public sentiment enabling New Bedford to take ad- 
vantage of this act. Warren Ladd at the July, 185 1, meeting of the city 
council introduced a preliminary order, and the ordinance establishing 
the library was passed on the i6th of August, 1852. The city seal just 
adopted had declared that the aim of the city was to shed light and 
knowledge ; the literal was to be made figurative, and the lamp of wis- 
dom and learning was to be lighted and tended for the benefit of all the 
citizens. 

There had been several private libraries of some importance which 
ante-dated the establishment of this library. The old Encyclopaedia 
Society, so-called from the purchase of Dobson's EncyclopEedia as the 
base of its collection, was one of the earliest of these private libraries. 
The most notable, however, was the Social Library, which was estab- 
lished early in the nineteenth century, and which continued for many 
years to serve its purpose as a respectable collection of books for the 
edification of its proprietors. In time the collection amounted to about 
5,000 books. The whole of the Social Library amounting to 5,500 books 
was transferred to the Free Public Library, which opened its doors on 
March 3, 1853, with a store of 6,000 volumes in the Perkins building, 139 
Union street, near Purchase. 

In the first report, issued after the library had been opened for only 
a few weeks, the trustees expressed the hope that this "will open to our 
inhabitants a library rich in the means of intellectual culture, and forming 
a new and attractive feature in the public recreation of the people." It 
will be noted that thus early in its career the idea was formulated that 
it is a legitimate object of public libraries to furnish recreative reading, a 
subject which has been discussed with vigor ever since, but our trustees, 
before the library had been opened two months, expressed themselves 
without qualifications. One of the first purchases made by the library 
was the Boydell Shakespeare. 

Another quotation from the first report reads, "A striking and de- 
lightful feature in our operations is the large number of females who 
visit the rooms, both as takers of books and readers of our periodicals. 
Nearly one-half of the names upon our books are those of females." 
Again the same report mentions as among the regulations of the library 
the establishment of a waiting list, another question which has been the 
shuttle-cock of opinion in library circles for many years. Article 16 says, 



312 NEW BEDFORD 

"Any book may be retaken, provided no application has been made for 
the same by another person, and the librarian requested to make a record 
of application." During the first year 22,607 books were circulated. 

In the second report, a motto was announced as a proper guidance 
in the use of the library, and which was repeated through successive 
reports for many years: "Use carefully, return promptly. These are the 
two fundamental rules upon which the prosperity of the library must 
rest." 

In the third year, covering the year 1854, the prudent and careful 
custodians of the library began to feel the necessity of a larger building, 
and incidentally the search for a Carnegie, who should bestow upon the 
city a new building and receive the plaudits of the citizens. They say, 
"Are we mistaken in supposing that there are those among us, who 
desirous of devoting a portion of the wealth which Providence has be- 
stowed upon them, to the public good, and prompted by a laudable ambi- 
tion to give such a direction to their munificence as will secure to them 
the gratitude of their fellow-citizens and the regard of posterity, will 
erect a monument so noble in its purpose, so elevating in its results? 
No doubtful or limited benefit would attend upon the consummation of 
such an undertaking. Without restriction or qualification will be accord- 
ed to him the title of public benefactor, who shall thus generously and 
benevolently allow his name to designate the structure which shall be 
reared for the purpose of our free public library." But as if feeling that 
perhaps they were asking too much, their attention was drawn to the 
City Hall, and the suggestion is made that the "accommodation of the 
library in the lower storj- of that safe, central, and beautiful building" 
would be an ideal location for the library. This city hall which was 
looked at with such envious eyes nearly sixty years ago is the building 
which has now been devoted entirely to library purposes. At that time 
the basement of the hall was used for a market, and the trustees waxed 
eloquent in advising that books supplant beef and that poultry be dis- 
placed by poetry. But better times were in store for the library; it was 
not necessary to dispossess the dealers in beef and cabbages of their 
chosen quarters, for the city fathers, stirred by the eloquence of James 
B. Congdon and his associates, aroused themselves and secured the erec- 
iton of a library building, which they thought would be ample for very 
many years to house the library on the top floor, and to accommodate 
the public offices on the floors below. 

The cornerstone of the library building was laid with imposing cere- 
mony on the 28th of August, 1856, the architect was Solomon K. Eaton, 
and Henry Pierce was the builder. When the cornerstone was laid a 
procession was formed on Market Square, south of this building, headed 
by the assistant marshal and a brass band ; next came the marshal, the 
ex-mayors of the city, clergy, and the city officials, who moved in pro- 



NEW BEDFORD 313 

cession around the block and to the site of the library across the street. 

George Howland, Jr., was mayor of the city at the time, and presided at 

the exercises. A characteristic address was made by James B. Congdon, 

Esq., who might be called the Father of the Library, and a poem by 

Charles T. Congdon, who afterwards acquired some note as a newspaper 

man. We quote a few lines from this poem of Mr. Congdon's which will 

be sufficient to give an idea of the metre and the general character of the 

verse : 

"How few of all who now its portals seek, 
Went to the library but once a week ! 

You every day receive its liberal boon ; 

We went at three, on seventh day afternoon; 
Unchecked you banquet on the genera! fare ; 
We took a single volume on each share; 

Kept it a week; might keep it three weeks more; 

Were fined just nine-pence if we kept it o'er." 

The poem ended with these lines : 

"There was a time when if one simply said : — 
'Lend me this book?' the owner shook his head. 

And smelling thieves in that preposterous call, 

Padlocked the book, and chained it to the wall; 
You, in the spirit of the time's great gain. 
Have taken off the padlock and the chain ; 

For this still look, in all the time to be. 

For youth aspiring, and for manhood free." 

One of the first donations made to the library was the gift of George 
Howland, Jr., who gave his salary for two years as mayor of the city to 
establish a fund which is still in existence as the George Howland, Jr , 
fund, "the income to be devoted for the purchase of valuable works of 
science of a more expensive character than we should feel authorized to 
purchase by the money appropriated by the municipal government." 

In 1859 the library was made the custodian of Congressional docu- 
ments. 

The building was opened to the public on November 9, 1857. Dur- 
ing a term of years the establishment of funds for book purchases became 
quite a feature. The Charles W. Morgan fund was established in 1865, 
and the Sylvia Ann Howland fund of $50,000 became available the same 
year. 

The most valuable gift of a single book was that by James Arnold, 
the founder of the Arnold Arboretum, and a resident of New Bedford, 
who gave to the library an original folio edition of Audubon's Birds. 

The James B. Congdon fund was given to the library in 1877. Other 
gifts were made by Oliver Crocker in 1878, George O. Crocker in 1S88, 
Charles L. Wood in 1892, which furnished book funds providing ample 
means for supplying the library with all the books which its cramped 
quarters could possibly accommodate. 

In 1904 the will of Mrs. Sarah E. Potter gave the library a bequest 
of $250,000, "the income to be used for the purchase of books, pictures, 



314 NEW BEDFORD 

and other articles suitable for the equipment and maintenance of the 
library." This munificent gift has enabled the library to make large pur- 
chases of books and pictures which otherwise would have been beyond 
our means, and to promise a satisfactory income for the future. 

Again, to show how the management of the library anticipated many 
of the problems which confront present-day library workers, in the 
twenty-sixth annual report covering the year 1877, the trustees "are 
happy to mention the interesting fact that a large part of the visitors to 
the library consists of pupils from the schools * * * * the statement is 
as creditable to the schools as to the library ; for no better evidence could 
be had that the instruction given by the teachers who encourage this 
kind of intellectual inquiry is of the most discriminating and improving 
quality." Again, on the question of the circulation of fiction, the conclu- 
sion of the trustees of that time is expressed as follows : "To exclude 
works of fiction from the library, therefore, would be to curtail its posi- 
tive advantages. At the same time, we recognize the necessity of a 
judicious care in the supply of works of this description, and we have 
added to our list of novels only those which we believe to be wholesome 
and useful, and which may stimulate to something better and higher." 

As a growing child finds that his clothes are soon outgrown, in 1878 
the trustees asked "for the use of the whole of the library building, since 
their quarters are becoming very much crowded." It was not, however, 
until 1886 that the old building was enlarged by an addition on the north 
which entirely changed the arrangement of the floor plan of the building, 
and added largely to the stack capacity. 

In 1884 in the thirty-second report a proposal was made that the 
city government publish the records of Old Dartmouth, but this sugges- 
tion was not acted upon until the present ample funds of the library have 
allowed the trustees to engage in the work, which is now being carried 
on as a contribution to the vital records of the State. The whole expense 
of copying these records is borne by the library, and the work has been 
carried on for over a year and is not yet completed, but when finished 
will be an extremely important document in the history of this section. 

On March 3, 1901, the library met with a most serious loss in the 
death of Robert C. Ingraham, who had served the library as its chief 
librarian for nearly fifty years. No more faithful servant of the public 
ever held office. His interests were centered in the library he loved so 
well, and his enthusiasm and devotion communicated itself to others 
until all who came in contact with his charming personality were imbued 
somewhat with his spirit He finished a great work to which he had 
devoted his life, and it was deemed fitting that in this building should be 
set apart the main reading room to be called forever Ingraham Hall in 
memory of his noble service. As the editor of "The Standard" said in his 
tribute to Mr. Ingraham, "By his simple devotion to the one duty of his 



NEW BEDFORD 315 

long life service, Robert C. Ingraham has made this community his per- 
manent debtor." 

In spite of the enlargement of the old building in 1886, the need of 
an entirely new building for the library was deemed urgent enough to 
embody in the report of the trustees for 1891. From that time nearly 
every succeeding report emphasized this need, until in 1906 the fire in 
the old City Hall afforded the prospect of securing our new building. 
The fire which occurred in December, 1906, proved to be a blessing in 
disguise. If Mr. Congdon, the historian of the library who wrote all the 
earlier reports, could have lived to express his sentiments upon the occa- 
sion, he certainly would have penned an eloquent description of the 
Promethean torch which was brought from heaven to bring about the 
consummation so devoutly wished for. Surely the result has proved 
most beneficial. 

The building plans were put into the hands of Mr. Nat C. Smith, 
the architect, who remodeled the old structure, preserving the old lines 
and carrying out most admirably the spirit of the original builders, until 
the result has given us a building more beautiful than the old, and yet 
expressing the same severe outlines in its exterior. To single out any 
individuals for credit in pushing the building forward to completion 
would be an invidious task, but it certainly is not out of place to give a 
great deal of credit to the foresight and intense interest shown by the 
mayor, Charles S. Ashley, in helping to formulate and carry out the 
plans of the building committee. The earnestness and zeal with which 
he has forwarded and seconded every move has been no small feature in 
accomplishing the result which we are enjoying to-day for the first time. 
In opening this building for the use of the city, everyone connected with 
the library feels with a deep sense of responsibility a wonderful quicken- 
ing and a strong incentive for better work. The material is at hand ; the 
surroundings are ample for many years ; the library has great resources 
for filling its shelves ; it is for us who are in charge so to administer the 
trust that the greatest benefit shall reach the greatest number, and I feel 
that, with a due sense of the seriousness of the words, I can thoroughly 
pledge the cooperation and willing labors of everyone connected with the 
library to further that purpose. To this end the library from time to 
time must expand the range of its activities, so that the civilizing influ- 
ence of such an institution shall be felt by every one in the city. 

The report of the librarian for the year 1916 shows that the library 
contains nearly 160,000 volumes and 40,000 pictures. In addition to the 
Central Library, three branches are maintained, one hundred and sev- 
enty-seven rooms in thirty-two schools are furnished an average of fifty 
books in each room, six engine houses are supplied with reading, one 
club, four Sunday schools, a city mission and a summer camp are other 
agencies the library uses to benefit the people. There was lent for home 
use during the year 1916, 407,830 volumes and 105,078 prints. Nineteen 



3i6 NEW BEDFORD 

lectures were given in the audience room, six exhibitions were held and 
thirteen publications issued. During the year 7,085 borrowers registered 
and twenty classes from the eighth grades in the public schools visited 
the library during the year for instruction in the use of the building. 
The library borrows freely from the great and generous Boston Public 
Library and indirectly repays the obligation by sending many books to 
the libraries on Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and Cape Cod. The total 
expenditures for the year were $44,192.55, obtained from city appropria- 
tions, income from the city dog tax and from the Sylvia Rowland, the 
Kempton, Charles W. Morgan, Oliver Crocker, George O. Crocker, 
Charles L. Wood, George Rowland, Jr., and James B. Congdon funds, 
and from the fines account. 

Officers of the Free Public Library for the year 1917: 

Trustees — Ex-officio : Charles S. Ashley, mayor of the city ; Clifton 
W. Bartlett, president of board of aldermen ; Harrison T. Borden, presi- 
dent of common council. Elected by the city council: Jireh Swift, Jr., 
term expires April, 1917; Abbott P. Smith, term expires April, 1917; 
Frank A. Milliken, term expires April, 1918; Samuel F. Winsper, term 
expires April, 1918; Francis M. Kennedy, term expires April, 1919; 
Charles M. Holmes, term expires April, 1919. President of the board, the 
mayor. Clerk, George H. Tripp. 

Librarian — George H. Tripp. 

Assistant Librarian — Clement L. Yaeger. 

Cataloguer — Anna M. DeWolf. 

Librarian's Secretary and Stenographer — Minerva F. Maxfield. 

Heads of Departments — Mary A. Chase, reference librarian ; Jane E. 
Gardner, art librarian ; Jane E. Thuman, children's librarian. 

Desk Attendants and Assistants — Edith H. Cobb, Ingraham Hall; 
Grace D. Sherman, delivery desk; Edith H. Brodhead, delivery desk; 
Marion Briggs, accession and delivery desk; L. Gertrude Wilcox, acces- 
sion and delivery desk ; Ellen F. Dollard. assistant art room and chil- 
dren's room; Ethel Wilcox, assistant children's room; Alice H. Tripp, 
genealogical room ; Louisa P. Tourtellot, cataloguer's assistant and gene- 
alogical room ; Arthur J. Rogers, periodicals. 

Branches — North, Elsie Collins, Amanda Dion ; south, John Wilkin- 
son ; west, Mary Elizabeth Brown. 

The public is in great debt to the discernment of Robert C. Ingra- 
ham, the late librarian, who was so persistent in making the special col- 
lections of local history, whaling literature, genealogy, and Ouakerana, 
which make the library distinguished among the great libraries of the 
country. These features of the library are being sympathetically fol- 
lowed out by the present librarian, George H. Tripp, and it is a source of 
gratification that private bequests, the establishment of the Potter fund 
of a quarter of a million to be exclusively used in the purchase of books, 
sculpture, and paintings, being the last, will enable the library to con- 
stantly enhance the collection. 



CHAPTER XLI. 
Fraternal Orders and Organizations. 

The oldest Masonic lodge in the city is Star in the East, Free and 
Accepted Masons, chartered December lo, 1823, Timothy I. Dyre the 
first worshipful master. 

Eureka Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, was chartered May 8, 
1857, Timothy Ingraham its first master. Both lodges are in prosperous 
circumstances. 

Capitular Masonry is represented by Adoniram Chapter, Royal Arch 
Masons, chartered October 4, 1816, at Attleborough, Massachusetts; was 
moved to Taunton and the first convocation held July 5, 1825, and on 
November 23, 1845, New Bedford became its permanent home. 

Cryptic Masonry is exemplified in New Bedford Council. Royal and 
Select Masters, and Templar Masonry in Sulton Commandery, Knights 
Templar, chartered May 4, 1864, John B. Baylies. The commandery was 
named in honor of William Sutton, an eminent sir knight of Salem, Mas- 
sachusetts, who presented his namesake with a beautiful templar banner. 

The Order of the Eastern Star, the branch of Masonry admitting 
Masons and their women folk, is represented by New Bedford Chapter, 
No. 49, constituted November 20, 1895, and by Dartmouth Chapter, No. 
106, constituted April 24, 1907. 

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is represented by Acushnet 
Lodge, No. 41, instituted April 11, 1844. William H. Taylor, noble grand; 
and by Vesta Lodge, No. 166. instituted February 23, 1874, Charles B. 
Hillman, noble grand. 

Annawan Encampment, No. 8, was instituted May 23, 1845, and 
Canton New Bedford, No. 43, Patriarchs Militant, April 7, 1886. The 
Manchester Unity is well represented in the city. Loyal Alpha and Loyal 
Pride of New Bedford lodges and by Purple Consulate. 

The Daughters of Rebekah have two lodges, Stella, No. 46, instituted 
April I, 1885, and Usher, No. 1 14. 

Loyal Omega Lodge, No. 15, is the lodge of Manchester Unity ad- 
mitting women. 

In addition to these, the oldest of fraternal orders, there is in the 
city every other organization, fraternal, social, beneficial or professional, 
that man in his love for secret organizations has been able to eflFect. 
These compose the national societies of the many citizens of foreign 
parentage or both, and are all well organized and are prosperous. The 
trade organizations are well organized and New Bedford may be classed 
as a "Union" town. The leading clubs are the Wamsutta, Dartmouth, 
Yacht, Country and Masonic, although there are many others of strength 



3i8 NEW BEDFORD 

and influence. There are clubs confining their membership to churches, 
trades, orders or professions, while the Circle Gounod is a musical asso- 
ciation whose annual concert is an event eagerly awaited. 

The Grand Army of the Republic — William Logan Rodman Post, 
No. I, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized October 4, 1886; 
R. A. Pierce Post, No. 190, May 28, 1888. In the half century which has 
elapsed since peace came to the sections which for four years had been 
engaged in bitter conflicts, the greater part of the soldiery on both sides 
have gone "over there," leaving for this generation to emulate their 
proud record of devotion to country, courage and patriotic self-sacrifice. 
To-day North and South march in step to the strains of "The Star- 
Spangled Banner" on foreign battlefields, to resist the world's greatest 
enemy, whose unholy ambition and lust of power would sweep democ- 
racy and liberty from the earth and turn back the clock of progress cen- 
turies. So these old veterans of 1861-65, who "fought to make men free," 
are the inspiration of this generation which is pouring out its treasure 
and blood to "make this world a safe place to live in." 

.\t the period when both Grand Army posts in New Bedford had 
their maximum membership there were more than 700 men who were 
members of the two posts. These two posts have included in their mem- 
bership practically all the veterans in this city and vicinity ; only a few 
scattered veterans have remained unafifiliated with either post, so that 
the membership to-day includes very nearly every veteran still living in 
this vicinity. From a maximum membership of about 700 veterans the 
two posts have declined until to-day there are less than 200 veterans in 
the two posts. Post igo now numbers 96 members out of a total of 390 
members who have at different times been members, and out of 230 who 
have belonged at one time, and Post i now has 88 members. The num- 
bers in recent years have been necessarily more rapidly decreasing, and 
in the coming years the numbers will be declining even more rapidly. 
That this is to be expected is indicated by the death roll of Post 190, 
between May 15, 1916, and May 18, 1917, in which period fifteen members 
of the post passed away. In three weeks in February the post lost five 
by death. In all, since the post was established in 1888, when 70 mem- 
bers withdrew from Post i, to organize a new post, the post has lost 216 
members by death. Post i lost 12 members by death in 1916, and thus 
far in 1917 three members have passed away. These figures bring home 
the fact that the time is not far distant when there will remain only a 
scattering few of the men who fought in the Civil War, and the duty 
of paying honor to the veteran dead will fall on others. 

Youngest Grand Army of the Republic Veterans — "The boys in blue" 
and "the boys in khaki" are words very true when we use them with 
reference to those who have fought in their country's wars. It is really 



NEW BEDFORD 319 

true that for the most part it is boys who fight their country's battles. 
This is strikingly illustrated by the men who went out with the Third 
Massachusetts Infantry. The average age of the men in the regiment 
was only 19 years, and at its head was Colonel Silas P. Richmond, only 
30 years of age. It was this regiment that included a New Bedford drum- 
mer boy, who went out in 1862 at the age of 13 years, and that boy is now 
Charles G. Allen of this city, a member of Post 190, the youngest veteran 
in the post, the youngest in Massachusetts, and possibly the youngest 
veteran now living in New England. Mr. Allen is now 68 years old, and 
he can drum to-day almost as well as he could in 1862. Ever since the 
days of the Civil War, Mr. Allen has been well known for his ability with 
the drum, and on many occasions the rat-t-tat-tat of his drum has been 
the music for the marching feet of the members of the posts as they have 
made their way through New Bedford streets. For years after the Civil 
War he played the drum in band organizations in this city, but gave this 
up some time ago. Before the war, when Mr. Allen was a "little shaver," 
he tapped on the cellar door with chair legs. His inclination toward 
drumming resulted in his receiving instructions from Israel Smith, the 
old band leader. Mr. Allen as the youngest veteran of Post 190 has a very 
close competitor for the honor of being the youngest veteran living here 
in Nahum F. Nickelson, the youngest veteran of Post i. Mr. Nickelson, 
now junior vice commander of Post i, went out as a drummer boy at the 
age of 16 years, and he is now 69 years of age. 

Oldest Grand Army of the Republic Veterans — The two posts also run 
a close race for the honor of having the oldest living veteran. Post i 
takes this honor through having as a member Henry J. Purrington, the 
oldest man in Mattapoisett, now 92 years of age. Mr. Purrington is often 
an attendant at post meetings. The oldest member of Post 190 is Edwin 
I. McEmons, who is 91 years of age. He is able to be about, but is 
not able to be at the meetings of his old comrades. 

Men Who Served Longest — Thomas W. Cook, past commander of 
Post I, has the distinction of having served as post commander longer 
than any other man in Massacuhsetts and possibly the longest of any post 
commander in New England. He was commander of Post i for twenty- 
one years. Major Cushman, of the 47th Massachusetts Infantry, who 
founded Post i on October 4. 1866, was also the first department com- 
mander of Massachusetts in 1866-1867. 

The man who enjoys the distinction of having served the longest 
in any one office in Post 190 is Adjutant George P. Macomber, who first 
served in this office in 1897 under command of Henry W. Mason, and 
since 1900 has served continuously in that office, a total period of 18 
years. Mr. Macomber enjoys the further distinction of being the veteran 
precinct officer in the city. He had served as a precinct warden contin- 



320 NEW BEDFORD 

uously for 49 years, and nearly all of that time in Ward One. When he 
first served Ward One included all that section of the city from Weld 
street north to the city line, and the ward room was the old mission 
chapel at the northeast corner of Purchase and Pearl streets. 

Both posts have shown their willingness to serve in whatever capac- 
ity they may help in the present crisis by offering their services to the 
President, the Governor and Mayor Ashley. 

Distinguished Men In Service — The two posts bear the names of dis- 
tinguished New Bedford men who served their country well. Colonel 
William Logan Rodman, for whom Post i was named, was killed at 
Port Hudson when he exposed himself above the parapet. Richard A. 
Pierce for whom Post 190 was named, went from New Bedford to Fort- 
ress Monroe with the three months' men, and he was after designated by 
Governor Andrew to superintend the transportation of Massachusetts 
troops to the front. He became a major-general in the service. The post 
treasures among its mementoes of the war the equipment of General 
Peirce. Another memento which Post igo prides itself on is the posses- 
sion of a drum captured from the British at Bunker Hill by an ancestor 
of the late Israel Smith, who, when he became a member of the post, 
presented the drum to the post. 

Both posts have included in their membership men who held high 
rank in the army and navy service, or who were present when mem- 
orable events were taking place. The late Philip H. King, of Post 190, 
stood guard at the door of the McLean house at Appomatox when the 
terms of surrender were arranged by Grant and Lee. Henry W. Mason 
was a major in the 9th New York cavalry, among the first Union troops 
to be engaged at Gettysburg, Mr. Mason and the late Nicholas E. How- 
land, of this city were present at Ford's theatre on the night Lincoln was 
assassinated. The late William P. Randall was on board the •'Cumberland" 
when she was sunk by the "Merrimac" and fired the last shot from the 
sinking ship. Joseph M. Simms was a captain in the navy. William W. 
Barry was a paymaster in the navy. Dr. George W. Winslow was a sur- 
geon in the navy and is now retired as a rear admiral. Samuel C. Hart 
became colonel of the 23rd Massachusetts. John A. P. Allen was a 
colonel of a Massachusetts artillery regiment, James F. Chipman was a 
major. James W. Hervey was captain of Co. A of the 3rd Massachu- 
setts cavalry. Thomas R. Rodman was captain of Co. H of the 38th 
Massachusetts. Joseph Austin was a captain. Charles F. Shaw was 
lieutenant of Co. H of the 38th Massachusetts. Edwin Dews was a 
major. Rev. Isaac H. Coe was a chaplain, William G. Davis was a 
lieutenant. Thomas J. GifTord and Frederick S. Gififord were first lieu- 
tenants. 

Post One has included among its members the late Colonel Silas P. 
Richmond, who went out at the head of the Third Massachusetts In- 



NEW BEDFORD 321 

fantry. Major Austin S. Cushman of the 47th Massachusetts infantry. 
James Barton was a lieutenant colonel. Thomas W. Cook was first 
lieutenant of Co. C of the Massachusetts heavy artillery. Patrick Can- 
navan was first lieutenant of Co. B of the 4th Massachusetts cavalry. 
Jonathan E. Cowen was captain of an unattached troop of Massachusetts 
cavalry. Albert Braley was a second lieutenant. William A. Allen was a 
first lieutenant. James L. Wilbur was first lieutenant of Co. E of the 3rd 
Massachusetts heavy artillery. Thomas H. Nolan, of Fairhaven, was 
first lieutenant in various branches of the cavalry service. 

There are 12 living past commanders of Post 190. The men who 
have commanded this post include James W. Hervey, William J. Nicker- 
son, Thomas R. Rodman, RuTus A. Soule, James N. Parker, Thomas J. 
Gififord, George N. Alden, Henry W. Mason, Elbridge G. Morton, Jr., 
William H. H. Jennings, Joseph Austin, Samuel E. Bentley, Thomas C. 
Robbins, John V. Spare, Otis B. Phinney, Charles E. Benton, Herbert K. 
Haskins, and Charles F. Shaw. 

Thomas J. Gififord, the present commander, has always taken a de- 
voted interest in the welfare of the post, and when he was commander 
in 1895 he recruited 100 new members, the largest number taken into one 
post in any one year in the state. 

Red Letter Grand Army of the Republic Dates — There are several 
red letter dates in the history of the New Bedford posts. One was on 
the occasion when General Russell A. Alger, afterwards secretary of war, 
was entertained at the Parker House on the evening of January 28, 1890. 

Another notable event cherished in the memories of Post 190 was the 
attendance of the post at the national encampment in Washington in 
1892, when the post had a special train of five cars at its disposal, and in 
Washington the veterans slept in the cars. The post furnished $3,900 
to guarantee these accommodations. 

Both posts include men who have been members since the Grand 
Army of the Republic was first instituted, and a few who have never 
missed a Memorial day parade. Past Commander Andrew J. Smith 
was with the first group of veterans who decorated the graves of soldiers 
on July 4, before the day was fixed by law. He joined the post when he 
was 21 years of age, and save for illness he has never missed a Memorial 
day event since it became a fixture in 1868. Adjutant George H. Car- 
penter has never missed a meeting of Post i, save for reasons of sick- 
ness and when he was recovering attended while on crutches. Mr. Car- 
penter, as a Fairhaven man, is in that town on Memorial day and ever 
since the Fairhaven Veterans' association was organized has served as 
marshal or chief of staff on occasions when the Fairhaven veterans 
parade. 

No story of the Grand Army posts of New Bedford is complete with- 

N. B.— 21 



322 



NEW BEDFORD 



out reference to the now defunct Robert Gould Shaw, post 146, which in- 
cluded the colored veterans. The colored veterans maintained their or- 
ganization as long as there were enough veterans alive to keep the 
charter, and now the few who are left are in the other posts. 

The Woman's Relief Corps is represented by William Logan Rod- 
man Post 53, auxiliary to Post i, instituted September 11, 1875, and R. A. 
Pierce Corps No. 95, auxiliary to post 190, instituted January 13, 1891. 
There are two camps of Sons of Veterans ; John A. Hawes Camp No. 35 
and John H. Clififord Camp No. 35. There is also a Ladies' Auxiliary of 
the John A. Hawes Camp No. 35. 




'MIO Oh' AliUAHAAF H. IKlWLANn, 
Fivsl M;i,v..r of New I Iril f. .f.l. 




Ill: h II I x 



CHAPTER XLII. 
The Patrician Homes of New Bedford. 

By Henry B. Worth. 

It was not until after the war of 1812 that the patrician homes of 
New Bedford, the mansions that denoted the prosperity of its merchants, 
appeared along County street and in the section that became the ex- 
clusive residential part of the town of that time. Before the war there 
were no dwellings of stone and only two of brick, but increasing wealth 
enabled men to use freely both materials in the building of their homes. 
House building reached its highest point between 1820 and 1850, and 
these three decades may be considered the period of classic archi- 
tecture. 

It has been claimed that examples of dwellings of that date were 
neither comfortable nor convenient as habitations, and that modern 
houses, although irregular in appearance, are more satisfactory indoors. 
Every house is a compromise. If the outside is to be perfect in design, 
there must be a corresponding sacrifice within. Artistic and agree- 
able arrangement of fireplaces, reception halls and windows may pro- 
duce an irregular exterior, and since 1880, when the attention of people 
was largely devoted to the interior, the classic models of 1830 have 
been discarded. 

During the period between 1850 and 1880, house-building made no 
advance. The dwellings that were erected were generallj^ without 
notable features. The financial troubles of 1857, the war of the Rebellion 
and the long period of recovery and diaster in the Arctic ocean all con- 
tributed toward this result. The only great house built during this 
time was the three-storied mansion of Jonathan Bourne, on the corner 
of Orchard and Clinton streets. This was the last house of the end 
chimney design of 1830, one exceptionally fine feature of which was the 
circular staircase extending from ground floor to roof. 

The period of great mansions opened about 1823 by the erection of 
three fine houses on County street, near the head of William street. 
Two rich men built houses for their children, but like similar cases in 
that family the young people were only occupants while the fathers re- 
tained the ownership. 

On the lot on the north side of William street, between County and 
Eighth street, a brick mansion was erected by William Rotch, Jr., for 
his son Joseph. Judging from the pictures, the building must have been 
large and expensive. After standing about twenty years the home and 
land were sold to Seth Ingalls, who took down the house and divided the 
land. On the corner of County and William streets, Dr. Lyman Bartlett 



324 NEW BEDFORD 

built his own house, later owned by Dr. F. H. Hooper. Next north, 
Ingalls built his own mansion. On the corner of William and Eighth 
streets, Alexander H. Seabury built the house which in recent years was 
owned by A. D. Ashley. 

On the south corner of William and County streets, William Rotch 
built another house for his son Thomas. It fronted Eighth street, with 
the rear toward County street. It was later owned by Thomas Nye, Jr., 
Daniel C. Waterman, Sylvia Ann Howland, Andrew H. Potter and 
I. H. Bartlett. When it came into the possession of George H. Bartlett 
he turned the house around to front County street, and later the 
property was purchased by Miss Ella F. Ivers, and the house demolished. 

Charles VV. Morgan married a daughter of Samuel Rodman, Sr., 
and her father built the stone house on the lot on the west side of 
County street, between Court and Morgan streets. It was covered with 
cement and, although surrounded by trees, always presented an attrac- 
tive and cheerful appearance. This was due to the fact that it was 
painted a light brown or yellow, described as being something between 
cream and dust color. In this way the dreary and gloomy aspect of 
most of the New Bedford stone houses was avoided. Then it was 
admirably located, with plenty of room on all sides. It was demolished 
in 1904 at the time when the city acquired the land for a High school 
site. 

.At about the same date James Arnold built his brick house on the 
west side of County street at the head of Spring street. No pictures of 
this house, as originally constructed, are known to exist. Daniel Ricket- 
son says it followed an English style. After it came into the possession 
of William J. Rotch, he altered it considerably by adding a French roof. 
The groves planted by Mr. Arnold many years before have been kept 
without change, and give to this house an atmosphere of substantial 
repose, not possessed by any other dwelling in the city. 

With the exception of those already mentioned and two gothic 
cottages, all the great houses of New Bedford were built in the short 
interval between 1827 and 1837. It seemed as if with one accord all the 
wealthy men decided to have fine mansions. 

The house of Henry T. Wood on the southeast corner of County and 
Grinnell streets was built by Seth Russell, and is an illustration of a large 
class built in all parts of the city. That of William C. Taber on the 
northeast corner of Fourth and Walnut streets is one of the same style ; 
also that of Henry Taber on the west side of Orchard street near the head 
of Madison street. Some of the same plan were placed end to the street 
with fine efTect. On the corner of County and Hawthorn streets are two 
of this type. William W. Swain built that on the north corner, and Cor- 
nelius Grinnell, Jr., that on the south. Each was a son-in-law of Gilbert 



NEW BEDFORD 325 

Russell who presented them with large tracts of land in 1828. The houses 
were based on the same model and located well back from the street 
lines. The south house was greatly lengthened by the late Horatio 
Hathaway by additions to the west end which do not improve the north 
side. But from the corner of Russell street this house presents a very 
attractive view. The fine grounds about these houses bring out all their 
advantages. 

On the west side of Purchase street a few yards north of Russell 
street are two of the same style, but lacking the attractions of the 
others because they are located too near the street and hemmed in by 
neighboring houses, besides being disfigured by unbecoming paint. The 
south house was built by Ward M. Parker as his homestead and later 
was owned by Dr. Helen M. Webster. The other was built by Joseph 
Taber, pump and block maker, and owned later by St. Luke's Hospital. 
Another of the same design was built by Thomas Riddell on the 
southeast corner of County and Union streets, which was sold to 
Charles L. Wood. While more attractive than the Parker or Taber 
house, this suffers by being too near the street and without adequate 
environment. The house of James Howland on the northwest corner 
of School and Sixth streets is of the same plan. 

On the northwest corner of Orchard and Bedford streets stands a 
house built in 1832 for Rev. Dr. Orville Dewey, minister at the Unitarian 
church. In 1851 it was purchased and rebuilt by William C. N. Swift. 
Next to it on the north was the house of John W. CliiTord, attorney 
general and later goveronor of Massachusetts. The present owner, John 
V. Spare, divided this house so as to obtain two separate dwellings. 
Another of the same style was built by David R. Greene on the east 
side of Sixth street, a few yards north of Russell. 

Probably the finest house in the city constructed of wood was that 
of William Rotch, Jr., on the east side of County street, between Madi- 
son and Cherry streets. The efifectiveness of its design is obscured by 
its environment. Being too close to the street is some detriment, but a 
close, high board fence hides the house except as to the front end. In 
1851, after the death of Mr. Rotch, it was purchased by Edward C. Jones 
for $17,000. 

In Tune, 1830, there were two wooden houses on the south side of 
School street, between Sixth and Seventh streets, and one Sunday morn- 
insr they burned and a disastrous fire was kindled in other sections. On 
the two lots were built the present brick houses, and several others were 
constructed in the same locality. That on Seventh street was occupied 
by William H. Allen and was sold in 1847 to Matthew Luce. That on 
Sixth street was occupied by Gideon Allen and later owned by Dr. 
J. C. Shaw. Among the brick houses of this style none presents as 
handsome a front door and portico. 



326 NEW BEDFORD 

These Allen houses were followed by others on the same plan. On 
the northwest corner of Sixth and Madison streets is the house of George 
Howland, Jr., now owned by Charles F. Wing. Directly across Sixth 
street is the house built by John Howland, Jr., and after him owned 
successively by Edward W. Howland, Edward Kilburn and John McCul- 
lough. 

The house of Andrew Robeson is still standing in the rear of the 
block on the northwest corner of Second and William streets, but it 
is mostly surrounded by other brick buildings. In 1866 it became the 
residence of Dr. William A. Gordon and after him the estate was 
divided. This house is now owned by Standish Bourne and is used for 
storage purposes. The house built by David Coffin, on the south- 
east corner of Sixth and Walnut streets, was purchased later by Fred- 
eric S. Allen ; on the northeast corner of School and Sixth streets is the 
house built by John A. Standish, now occupied by the Woman's Club, 
and next north, that of Philip Anthony. On the northwest corner of 
County and Union streets is the home of the Wamsutta Club. It was 
built and occupied by Jireh Perry and after him by his son, Eben. 

Built a few years later than the others was the house owned by 
Oliver Prescott on the west side of County street, next north of the 
corner of Madison street. It was once owned and occupied by Barton 
Ricketson. All of these brick houses were constructed on the same 
plan, and were without architectural ornamentation, yet exhibiting the 
essence of strength and solidity. 

On the west side of Orchard street at the head of Madison street 
is the brick cottage, built by William J. Rotch, in 1844, from plans fur- 
nished by A. J. Davis, of New York. Its style was called Rural Gothic 
and it was described in the treatise of A. J. Downing. It was occupied 
by Mr. Rotch until he came into possession of the homestead of James 
Arnold. Later it was occupied by Morgan Rotch. 

Concerning the stone houses, of which eleven will be mentioned, 
some general comments are required. This material is naturally dark, 
with a tendency toward a dull and heavy effect. This is particularly 
true of the granites that have a dark slate color. One of the prime quali- 
ties of a dwelling house should be a cheerful attractiveness which can be 
secured in a high degree by the use of wood. But stone may be gloomy 
in appearance unless the house be placed on an eminence in a spot 
clear of trees. If such a location cannot be provided, it is desirable to 
cover the surface with cement and paint the outside some neutral shade, 
that of English freestone, the color adopted for the Morgan house, being 
recommended. Either they have been placed on a flat lot, on a level 
with the street or else are shaded by trees, and then with no cheerful 
color to relieve the sombre effect of the natural stone, they have a heavy 



NEW BEDFORD 327 

and dull appearance. This cannot be overcome by any amount of 
elaborate ornamentation. In extenuation it ought to be said that the 
surroundings have changed since they were built seventy-five years ago. 
Possibly as originally placed they may have presented a correct ap- 
pearance. But as dwelling houses are built in the vicinity and trees 
increase the shade, the architectural effect has become entirely changed. 
Whatever may be the case, those now standing leave a cold appearance, 
lacking in cheerfulness. The Morgan house was a decided exception 
to the general rule in New Bedford. In color and location it was a 
success. The same was true of the Tyson house on South street, between 
County and Fourth streets. It was covered with cement and painted 
the shade "between dust and cream." 

Samuel Rodman, Jr., liuilt the house on the southeast corner of 
County and Spring streets. Three stories in height and very plain, it 
presents the appearance of an immense cube. The cement coating of 
the outside with the light Quaker brown coloring relieve the house from 
the dull, cold effect of natural stone. But a house of that design is 
intended to present the idea of solidity and strength, and it fails in its 
object on account of being too near the street lines. But even if it stood 
in a more favorable position, a house of such severe contour could not 
be made beautiful. It is still owned by his descendants. At some date, 
Benjamin Rodman, another son of Samuel, built the house on the east 
side of Second street, next north of the corner of William street. It was 
owned later by Mrs. Nathan L. Ellis, and recently by Standish Bourne. 
It was constructed in m.uch the same style as the Spring street house 
and has the same limitations. For a number of years it has been used 
for mercantile purposes. 

On the southwest corner of County and Robeson streets was the 
house built by Thomas R. Robeson. It is said the stone from which it 
was constructed was taken from bowlders found on the place. It was 
later owned by Benjamin R. Almy and Dr. Henry M. Dexter, and was 
taken down a few years ago when the land was divided. The house 
was erected under the supervision of Augustus A. Greene, it being built 
at the same time as the Joseph Grinnell house, and Mr. Greene was in 
charge of both. The Almys named it "Greystone." 

Joseph Grinnell erected the house on the west side of County street, 
at the head of Russell street. In 1893 it was purchased by Frederic 
Grinnell, a nephew of Joseph, a wealthy manufacturer of Providence. 
He added the upper story to obtain more room. While the spot occupied 
by this mansion is admirable, yet from the dark color of the stone or the 
shade of the trees, it lacks that attractiveness that a dwelling should 
possess. This effect may be produced by the crowding of houses on the 
south. It is said that this house and that of Thomas R. Robeson were 



328 NEW BEDFORD 

constructed by a Rhode Island contractor, who employed as foreman 
Augustus A. Greene, and at the completion of these houses Mr. Greene 
remained in New Bedford and formed the partnership with Henry T. 
Wood known as Greene & Wood. 

In the square bounded by Orchard. Hawthorn, Grove and Cottage 
streets, stands the house built by Joseph R. Anthony, who married a 
daughter of Gilbert Russell. It is constructed of the same dark granite 
as the Joseph Grinnell house and presents the same appearance. In 1845 
it was purchased for $17,000 by Captain Joseph C. Delano, and is owned 
by his daughter. He added the French roof and the extensions to the 
west. 

On the northwest corner of Pleasant and Campbell streets is a 
Roman Catholic institution occupied by women who teach in the paro- 
chial schools. It is still known as St. Joseph's Hospital. It was built by- 
Charles Russell. Across Campbell street is a small dwelling which was 
designed and started by Russell as a barn, but his failure came before 
it was completed and it was finished as a house. The Russell house was 
occupied by Edward Mott Robinson several years after his marriage. 
It was owned by Sylvia Ann Howland, and later by H. H. Forbes, who 
sold it to the Roman Catholic bishop. Although this building has inade- 
quate space in front and on the sides, yet the architectural treatment of 
the exterior is more pleasing than that of some other local houses. 

In 1843 Samuel W. Rodman, son of William R. Rodman, built the 
stone Gothic cottage on the east side of County street, between Walnut 
and School streets, the only dwelling of that style in New Bedford. It 
was later owned by William P. Howland, Frederic Homer, Stephen C. 
Lowe and John B. Rhodes. It was constructed of the same dark granite 
already described. As originally designed it has been considered a fine 
piece of domestic architecture. Owing to its shape and size, the dark 
stone does not produce the dull effect noted in other cases. Some addi- 
tions have been made that do not improve its appearance, but it is still 
one of the unique houses of New Bedford. 

The finest house now standing in the city was built in 1833 by 
W^illiam R. Rodman on the east side of County street south of Cherry 
street. Probably no expense was spared in its construction and it is 
reputed to have cost $75,000. In 1856 it was purchased for $25,000 by 
Abraham H. Howland and later sold by his heirs to Frederic Grin- 
nell and the Hathaways, who own estates on the opposite side of County 
street, who desired to keep this old landmark from being demolished, 
and the land occupied by cheaper houses. Subsequently it was sold to 
Dr. John G. Hathaway. Both inside and out this house is highly 
ornamental and it is a very imposing edifice. Still it does not possess 
the characteristics of a dwelling house. There is no way to verify the 



NEW BEDFORD 329 

conjecture, but there are some reasons for supposing that the archi- 
tect was Russell Warren of Providence. 

The most imposing house ever constructed in New Bedford and one 
of the masterpieces of Russell Warren, was built by John Avery Parker, 
on the corner of County and Pearl streets. The west facade somewhat 
resembled that of the W. R. Rodman house, but the east side was the 
most elaborate. There was ample space to the east, and as the house was 
painted white that was no suggestion of heaviness in its appearance. 
The view from below was particularly satisfying. It would be easy for 
one who had seen this house to understand how it and the famous Colt 
house of Bristol were designed by the same architect. This structure is 
reported to have cost Mr. Parker $100,000. In 1864 it was purchased by 
Thomas Bennett, and in 1902 was sold by his daughter and demolished. 
This spot was the home of four men who contributed largely to the 
prestige and prosperity of New Bedford. For half a century after 1712 
it was the residence of Colonel Samuel Willis, and for the same period 
was owned and occupied by his son, Colonel Ebenezer Willis, and his 
family. The third was John Avery Parker, and the last was Thomas 
Bennett, who, as its superintendent, successfully established the pros- 
perity of the Wamsutta mills. 




CHAPTER XLIII. 
Authors of New Bedford. 

By George H. Tripp, Librarian. 

In the I2th and 13th reports of the New Bedford Free Public Library 
were printed lists of New Bedford imprints, prepared by Robert Ingra-' 
ham with great care, and which give a comprehensive list of the New 
Bedford publications up to that time, say 1865. This catalogue comprised 
not only the work of New Bedford men, but books which were printed in 
New Bedford offices, whoever the authors might be, and also included a 
full list of municipal documents. 

It has been thought well in this paper to present classified lists of 
authors, arranged with some care, which will perhaps best bring together 
those who have written on cognate subjects, so the grouping will be 
something after this manner. 

First, those who have written on religious and philosophical sub- 
jects : next, in the department of social relations ; then, language, science, 
applied science or the useful arts, the fine arts, literature, travel, biogra- 
phy, history, and fiction ; then, to complete the review, a list of those who 
have written about this region, and references to New Bedford from 
various books and periodicals. 

In New England towns in early times, the principal intellectual 
activities were confined to the clergy, and Old Dartmouth was no excep- 
tion. We here find a preponderance of religious tracts and controversial 
pamphlets. The older race of clergymen was prone to rush into print 
and ofifensively or defensively show where they as individuals stood in 
matters pertaining to the faith. With Miltons angels they 

.... Reason'd high 
Of providence, foreknowledge, will, and fate, 
Fix'd fate, free-will, foreknowledge absolute; 
.\nd found no end, in wand'ring mazes lost. 

Or, like the Puritan preachers satirized in "Hudibras," they "proved their 
doctrine orthodox by apostolic blows and Knox." One of the earliest of 
the local preachers who won fame was Samuel West. A man who in 
his zeal for knowledge was ready to walk with his shoes in his hands 
from Barnstable to Cambridge — and on his examination for Harvard 
college successfully defended a Greek text against an examining tutor — 
was bound to show his argumentative ability in his later years. Among 
the many writings of Samuel West, one of the most noted was his "Essay 
on Liberty and Necessity," first printed in 1793, and in which he argued 
with vigor against the famous Jonathan Edwards. Dr. West was not 



NEW BEDFORD 331 

always writing on theological themes, however. An extremely interest- 
ing letter published in the "Memoirs of the American Academy," pro- 
pounds the theory that Gay Head was once a volcano. 

Dr. Orville Dewey, another famous clergyman, who lived and 
preached in New Bedford, published many sermons on theological sub- 
jects, among them election sermons, ordination sermons, one on "The 
Moral Uses of the Pestilence, Denominated Asiatic Cholera," a book of 
travels in the Old World and the New, on American morals and manners, 
and discourses on various subjects. His works were published in three 
volumes containing essays and sermons. 

A bitter controversy arose in 1837 over a pamphlet by Charles Mor- 
gridge, minister of the First Christian Church in New Bedford, entitled, 
"The True Believer's Defense Against Charges Preferred by Trinitari- 
ans." This was answered by Phineas Crandall, pastor of the Second 
Methodist Episcopal church, who wrote "The True Faith Vindicated, or. 
Strictures on the True Believer's Defense," etc., which was in turn 
answered by the Rev. Mr. Morgridge by, "An Appendix to the True Be- 
liever's Defense, or, A Reply to the True Faith Vindicated," etc. 

Other sermonizers whose works were printed were Rev. Ephraim 
Peabody ; Enoch Mudge, born in New Bedford and minister of the Port 
Society, one of his pamphlets was entitled "Lectures to Young People,'' 
1836; Sylvester Holmes, whose sermon on the death of Averick K. Parker, 
the wife of John Avery Parker, was published in 1847; Wheelock Craig, 
minister of the Trinitarian church, who wrote a sermon on the peculiar 
topic, "Legislation as an Implement of Moral Reform." Among the 
earlier clergymen were J. N. Morrison and Rev. John Girdwood. William 
G. Eliot, born in New Bedford, afterwards attained a great measure of 
fame as a clergyman and educator in the Middle West. His little book 
on the Unitarian faith is probably one of the most convincing documents 
on the principles of conservative Unitarianism. John Weiss was not only 
an able sermon writer, but wrote on a great variety of topics, and always 
with eloquence and wisdom. William J. Potter, for over thirty years 
pastor of the Unitarian church, was a man of vigorous mentality, and 
of remarkable literary ability. Among his publications are the "Twenty- 
five Sermons of Twenty-five Years," and "Lectures and Sermons." He 
was the editor for many years of "The Index." 

Among the later generation of clergymen, Henry M. Dexter, who for 
many years lived in New Bedford, was a great authority among American 
writers on the subject of the Pilgrims and Puritans, and on the history of 
Congregationalism. The Rev. M. C. Julien published sermons, fairy 
tales, and poems. 

One of the writers of the middle of the century on ethical subjects 
was Clother Gififord, whose book has the following interesting title, 



332 NEW BEDFORD 

"Essays on Health, Natural and Moral Laws and Education by Clother 
Gifford, teacher of phrenology, physiology, natural and moral science, 
advocate of religion, purity, peace, temperance. Christian union," etc. 
One stanza of his poem gives an idea of the character of his muse: 

Bread should be baked before it turneth sour, 

And meal is better far than finest flour. 

For this will clog the tissues or create 

Dyspepsia, which consigns to cruel fate. 

If nature gives up passions running high. 

Or blood which goes by steam, or nerves which cry, 

No stimulating meats should we partake 

That will cominotion in our systems make. 

Tea, coffee, ale. and all their host refuse. 

Lest Nature suffer when we thus abuse. 

But if our blood in sluggish streams shall flow, 

Some healthy stimulant may raise a glow. 

But naught intoxicating should we take. — 

Yea, all narcotics speedily forsake. 

Rev. L. B. Bates, a Methodist Episcopal clergyman of New Bedford 
for a term of years, compiled a "Hymn Book for Social Worship Every- 
where." This was published in New Bedford in i86g. 

Among later writers on religious themes must be mentioned with 
approbation the book entitled "The Religion of Christ in the Twentieth 
Century," by Miss Averic Francis. 

Dr. Alexander Reed published an address before the New Bedford 
Auxiliary Society for the Suppression of Intemperance. This was a New 
Bedford publication in 1817. About the same time John Brewer, princi- 
pal of the Friends' Academy, issued an address to the same society, 
published in 1815. 

An interesting pamphlet entitled "The Hole in the Wall," written 

by Durfee, purports to attempt to correct "the radical errors" of 

much of the discipline of Friends, and of the administration of it. This 
book probably would have been consigned by John Fiske to the division 
of books which he called crank literature when he served as assistant 
librarian in the Harvard Library. It will well repay a glance, if only 
to show to what extremes of aridity the controversial pamphlets of the 
early part of the last century were carried. 

A few years ago a brilliant native of Dartmouth, benjamin R. 
Tucker, wrote profusely on the subjects of socialism and anarchism. He 
was, as he called himself, a philosophical anarchist, and his writings were 
extremely radical, but always written with forceful argument and a great 
deal of literary ability. 

In another grouiiiiig are those who have written on legal, educational 
and social subjects. The Hon. T. D. Eliot, while a member of Congress, 
delivered many speeches and addresses before learned societies. H. G. O. 
Colby, Esq., for many years a lawyer in New Bedford, wrote a book on 



NEW BEDFORD 333 

"The Practice in Civil Actions and Proceedings at Law in Massachu- 
setts," published in 1848. Hon. J. H. Clifford also is represented by legal 
pamphlets and various addresses. George Fox Tucker, Esq., wrote a 
valuable disquisition on the Monroe Doctrine, various books on the 
preparation of wills, and a book on the recent income tax law. 

On educational themes we have Andrew Ingraham who published 
a book entitled "The Swain School Lectures," giving the lectures deliv- 
ered by him while at the head of that institution. Mrs. Louisa P. Hop- 
kins, who after leaving New Bedford, served for many years on the Board 
of Supervisors in Boston, published three or four educational books of 
great importance: "Educational Psychology," "How Shall My Child 
Be Taught," "Spirit of the New Education." 

C. F. King, who was at one time Principal of the Fifth Street Gram- 
mar School, afterwards for many years a Boston school principal, wrote 
books especially on geographical subjects, which were favorite textbooks 
in the public schools of the whole country for many years. One of the 
most important of these books was entitled "Methods and Aids in 
Geography." 

Henry F. Harrington, superintendent of schools for twenty-three 
years, a man whose educational reports were the admiration of educators 
everywhere for their lucid statement, their progressive principles, and 
choice language, prepared a speller and a geography, which were very 
widely used, and added greatly to the simplification of teaching. 

Mrs. Rachel S. Howland issued a reader which was called "The 
Christian Reader." 

George B. Emerson delivered an address which was published in 
Boston, 1842. This address was prepared for "The American Institute of 
Instruction" at their meeting in New Bedford in that year. J. F. Emer- 
son, principal of the New Bedford High School, wrote on "Cooperation 
of Parents with Teachers," 185 1. 

Walter S. Allen was the author of numerous review articles, and 
published pamphlets on various subjects relating to social and economic 
relations. 

A young man who worked in the cotton mills of New Bedford, after- 
wards going through college and entering the ministry, gave a very 
graphic recital of life in a cotton mill, in a book entitled, "Through the 
Mill" by "Al Priddy" (Frederick K. Brown). Mr. Brown afterwards 
wrote on his experience in school, with the title "Through the School," 
then a later publication called "Man or Machine — Which?" 

Benjamin K. Rodman, in 1840, wrote a forceful plea against im- 
prisonment for debt, called "A Voice from the Prison." Mr. Rodman 
himself was imprisoned for some months. He made it a matter of prin- 
ciple. During the three preceding years he states that in New Bedford 



334 NEW BEDFORD 

alone there were 438 commitments to prison for debt. The episodes of 
Little Dorrit were in some respects duplicated here. 

In science, New Bedford authors have made a very good showing. 
Dr. John Spare in 1865 published "The Differential Calculus with Un- 
usual and Practical Analysis of Its Elementary Principles and Copious 
Illustrations of Its Practical Application." This book was thus reviewed 
by the American Literary Gazette and Publishers' Circular. "It gives in- 
tellectuality and vitality to the calculus without emasculating any of its 
difficulties. He is entitled to the credit of having made a very important 
contribution to mathematical study." Jaded novel readers in search of 
something new would certainly find it in the books and pamphlets written 
by Professor C. N. Haskins, formerly of New Bedford, now a professor 
in Dartmouth College: "Note on the Differential Invariants of a Sur- 
face and of Space" ; "On the Invariants of Differential Forms of Degree 
Higher Than 2" ; "On the Invariants of Quadratic Differential Forms" ; 
"On the Zeros of the Function, P (x) Complementary to the Incomplete 
Gamma Function" ; "On the Measurable Bounds and the Distribution of 
Functional Values of Summable Functions." 

In Henry Willey, for many years editor of "The Standard," the 
world recognized one of its most profound students in the abstruse sub- 
ject on which he wrote in his "Introduction to the Study of Lichens," 
published in 1857, and "The Enumeration of the Lichens Found in New 
Bedford, Massachusetts, and Its Vicinity," published in 1892. These 
books gave Mr. Willey deserved prominence in his chosen field of study. 

E. W. Hervey published three or four notable books of more than 
local interest, namely, "Plants Found in New Bedford and Its Vicinity," 
i860; "The Flora of New Bedford," 1891 ; and, "Observations on the 
Colors of Flowers and Leaves," in 1899. 

Though there is no record of publications directly attributed to R. C. 
Ingraham, it is well known that the services he rendered to students 
and writers were invaluable. A thorough student in many lines, his 
interest and help in scientific subjects were especially noteworthy. 

Professor C. F. Chandler, for many years an honored professor in 
Columbia University, wrote and published many books on chemistry 
and allied subjects. Professor Chandler later received many dis- 
tinguished honors in connection with his long and honorable service as a 
professor in Columbia University. 

Miss Ida M. Eliot, in her book "Caterpillars and Their Moths," inter- 
ested a large circle of readers in a subject which had not been so fully 
treated in a popular way before. 

Among the recent writers on scientific subjects three New Bedford 
men are attaining prominence ; Professor Slocum, Professor of Astron- 
omy at Wesleyan, who has contributed many articles to scientific jour- 



NEW BEDFORD 335 

nals ; Ralph Beetle, assistant Professor of Mathematics in Dartmouth- 
he has published various contributions to mathematical science ; Frank 
B. Wade, teacher of Chemistry in an Indianapolis High School, author 
of various works in his chosen subject. 

In the applied, or useful arts, a curious little book published in 1859, 
written by Phebe H. Mendell, was called "The New Bedford Practical 
Receipt Book." During the last few years books on our most important 
industry have been written by Christopher P. Brooks, the first principal 
of the New Bedford Textile School, and for many years at the head of the 
Textile Department of the International Correspondence School, Herbert 
E. Walmsley, Henry W. Nicholas, and Thomas Yates. Many of these 
books have been used for years successfully as textbooks in textile 
schools, and are constantly in use by students on subjects relating to that 
industry. Mr. William F. Durfee, of New Bedford, an inventor of 
fundamental processes in steel manufacture, contributed to many scien- 
tific journals. 

In the department of fine arts one New Bedford author has written 
many delightful books on famous painters and artists — Estelle May 
Hurll, one of the few natives of New Bedford honored with an extensive 
notice in "Who's Who in America." 

The cacocthcs scribcndi attacked the early inhabitants of New Bed- 
ford with considerable vigor. The writers of poetry commenced late in 
the eighteenth century when New Bedford was a town of a very few 
thousand people and naturally the opportunities for culture were few, 
yet even in 1789 Elisha Thornton, who had acquired some local fame by 
publishing almanacs and dabbling in astronomical lore, published a poem 
on the slave trade, later republished in Ricketson's "History of New 
Bedford." 

The first principal of the Friends' Academy was John Maitland 
Brewer. A poem by him was published in "The New Bedford Courier," 
June 19, 1827. Half a dozen lines will give very well the character of the 
versification, and it will be safe to say that nine-tenths of the so-called 
poetry published in the early part of the century was modeled on the 
same plan : 

Shall Ostentation hear its praises rung 
And unobstrusive merit not be sung? 
Shall dazzling vices be the poet's theme 
While modest virtue sink in Lethe's stream? 
Shall fields of blood in future days be shown 
And Bedford's classic hill remain unknown? 

In the "Harp of Acushnet," poems by Mrs. Elizabeth Hawes, pub- 
lished in 1838, we have the efifort of probably the first female writer of 
this section. Many of her poems have local allusions, but very little in 
the way of description. The following poem on a clambake is not with- 



336 NEW BEDFORD 

out interest. It was written and sung at a villag-e "Feast of Shells," held 
at "Woods Grove," Fairhaven, September 3, 1838: 

Let others sing the rosy god 

Beneath the purple vine, 
And bow them to the tyrant's nod. 

And pour the sparkling wine; 
Another theme the Muse for me 

Has chosen from her wells — 
'Tis this — beneath the green-wood tree 

To sing the "Feast of Shells." 

When Ossian struck his lyre among 

The Caledonian hills, 
And charm'd the echoes as they sung 

Beside the mountain rills. 
He tun'd his harp they say of old — 

His fame the story tells — 
And sung in strains both soft and bold 

The ancient "Feast of Shells." 

Here oft the dusky forest maid, 

And hunter of the wood. 
Beneath the oaks have careless stray'd. 

Or musing here have stood. 
And many a distant warrior band 

Has left its crags and fells. 
Upon Acushnet's banks to stand. 

And grace the "Feast of Shells." 

But now no more their songs are heard 

To break the stillj' night ; 
No more the thicket leaves are stirred 

By scalping knife so bright; 
No more wild echoing through the air 

Are heard their savage yells. 
And cause the pallid maiden fair 

To leave the "Feast of Shells." 

How fearlessly we've gather'd here, 

Those days of blood are o'er, 
Not even the nimble footed deer 

Is seen upon our shore. 
No gloomy sprite shall frighten us, 

Nor Folly with her bells 
Of Reason's crown shall lighten us — 

She rules our "Feast of Shells." — 

And as we sing the groves shall ring, 

So merrily this day. 
For none but happy hearts we bring 

Beneath the green-wood gay ; 
The old and young together join. 

For here a spirit dwells 
That brightens with its smile divine 

Our village "Feast of Shells." 

Charles G. Congdon, a resident of New Bedford for many years, after- 
wards connected with the "New York Tribune" as editorial writer, pub- 
lished poems of good repute, and also several volumes of essays, which 
have a good deal of merit. The titles of some of his works are "Flowers 



NEW BEDFORD 337 

Plucked Along the Journey of Life," "Tribune Essays," "Carmen 
Saeculare." Like his distinguished uncle, J. B. Congdon, he was inter- 
ested in all branches of literary effort. James B. Congdon, although not 
profound as a scholar, yet probably did as much as any one man to elevate 
the literary atmosphere of New Bedford. Nothing of human affairs was 
alien to his interests. Whether it was on the subject of municipal affairs, 
on the conduct of the Free Public Library, on the reminiscences of local 
characters, or the dedication of a cemetery, or the recognition of the 
honors due to the heroes of the Civil War, James B. Congdon was always 
ready with his pen, and his voice, and his friendly assistance. 

Among the poets of the middle of the century. Rev. Walter Mitchell 
deserves a high place ; although his poetical writings are few, one of his 
poems, "Tacking Ship Off Fire Island," is regarded by lovers of the sea 
as one of the finest marine poems ever written. 

The weather-leech of the topsail shivers, 

The bowlines strain, and the lee-shrouds slacken, 

The braces are taut, the lithe boom quivers, 

A.nd the waves v.'ith the coming squall-cloud blacken. 

Open one point on the weather-bow. 

Is the lighthouse tali on Fire Island Head. 
There's a shade of doubt on the captain's brow, 

And tlie pilot watches tlie heaving lead. 

I stand at the wheel, and with eager eye 

To sea and to sky and to shore I gaze, 
Till the muttered order of "Full and by!" 

Is suddenly changed for "Full for stays !" 

The ship bends lower before the breeze, 

As her broadside fair to the blast she lays; 
And she swifter springs to the rising seas. 

As the pilot calls, "Stand by for stays!" 

He was a classmate of Senator Hoar, who said of him, "I am 
inclined to think that the one member of our class whose fame will last 
to remote posterity, a fame which he will owe to a single poein, is the 
Rev. Walter Mitchell." 

Though born in Nantucket, he spent his early manhood in New 
Bedford and began the practice of law in the office afterwards taken over 
by Mr. Crapo. He afterwards became an Episcopal minister, and wrote 
several novels th.it may still be found upon the shelves of libraries. 

The first President of old Dartmouth Historical Society, the Hon. 
W. \\'. Crapo, was the poet of his class at Yale, and the result of his 
labors was regarded as so important that it was printed by the request of 
his class. It would be an interesting subject of speculation to consider the 
results if he had pursued the poetic muse instead of following the lure of 
legal activities and possibilities. It is certain that the faultless diction, 
of which he is a master, would not have hindered the happy expressions 
of poetic thoughts. 

N. B.— 22 



338 NEW BEDFORD 

In 1896 E. H. Macy published a poem called "Between Whiles." 
Rev. H. W. Parker, pastor of the North Congregational Church, wrote 
a poem entitled "The Despised Race, "1863. 

Coming down to the present, one of the most important literary 
products of New Bedford is William C. Lawton, whom New Bedford 
should be delighted to honor. He has written with vigor, with clarity, 
with beauty of expression, poems as in "Folia Dispersa," books in appre- 
ciation of the works of literary masters, as in his "Study of the New 
England Poets," "Art and Humanity in Homer," "Introduction to 
Classical Greek Literature," Introduction to Classical Latin Literature," 
"Successors of Homer." These are a few of his works. 

Francis B. Gummere, the first principal of the Swain School, occu- 
pies a high position among American essayists on literary subjects. 
Some of his works are "Democracy and Poetry," "The Beginnings of 
Poetry," etc. 

A Methodist minister, who was for a few years in Fairhaven, pub- 
lished a book which indicated a good deal of research, "The Student's 
Shakespeare," 1880. 

Julius Kirschbaum. for many years a resident of New Bedford and 
a close student of literature, issued a play in German, entitled "Der 
Mensch Denkt, Gott Lenkt." 

Dr. Henry Wood, professor in Johns Hopkins for many years, has 
rendered distinguished service by his many writings on German litera- 
ture and allied subjects. 

Mrs. Lucy M. James contributed poems for a number of years to 
the Poet's Corner of "The New Bedford Standard." 

A few years ago a mill operative of New Bedford, John Spollon by 
name, showed a great deal of poetic talent in two or three light books of 
poems which he wrote, one entitled "The Whaleman and Other Sea 
Songs." The initial poem expressed the desire that the New Bedford 
whaleman should at some time be recognized by a statue which would 
commemorate his valorous deeds. He wrote also "Mary Ann, or Advice 
to a Street-Walker, and Other Poems," and "The Adventures of a 
Tramp." 

Associated with New Bedford by marriage and as a temporary resi- 
dent, we should mention N. P. Willis, whose poems were widely read, 
and whose influence was far-reaching on the manners and literary tastes 
of the generation fifty years ago. As is well-known, he married an 
adopted daughter of Hon. Joseph Grinnell. 

L. S. Judd, of Fairhaven, now an assistant in the New York Public 
Library, has written poems of some merit. 

"French Revolution" first given before a literary society of Dart- 
mouth College in 1780, and published in New Bedford in 1793, was by 
an unknown author; probably some modest student from this vicinity. 



NEW BEDFORD 339 

In the department of Travel we should expect New Bedford to be 
preeminent, since no city in the country has had so many world-wan- 
derers as has our own city from, the time when Edmund Burke spoke of 
the whale men of New England. "No sea but what is vexed by their 
fisheries, no clime that is not witness of their toils." But though the 
wanderlust affected so many of the residents of this section, when it came 
to describing their journeys — that was another problem. They were not 
skilled with the eloquence of Othello to tell "of moving accident by flood 
and field, of hair-breadth 'scapes," nor could they paint vivid sunsets 
which "the multitudinous seas incarnadine." They used no flowery 
language in describing their perils and ventures on many seas, but rather 
furnished the raw material for others to work up into stirring tales. 
The average record of the wanderers of Old Dartmouth reads something 
like this : 

"Remarks on Thursday, March 22, 1832. These 24 hours begins 
with moderate winds and pleasant weather. Employed cutting in the 
whales. At 4 p. m. finished. At 7 p. m. spoke Rosalie and got a large 
whale. At 8 p. m. headed to the north with the main topsail aback for 
the night. At daylight made sail, and commenced boiling. At 9 a. m. 
saw sperm whales. Lowered the boats, got three whales. Latitude, by 
observation, no° 28" n. longitude 123° w. So ends these 24 hours." 

Nothing in these meagre records to show in picturesque detail the 
tremendous activities, constant dangers, the picturesque incidents of voy- 
ages which took these intrepid sailors around the world, and almost 
from pole to pole. Nothing of mutinies, maroonings, fights with infuri- 
ated whales, water spouts, storms, shipwrecks, desertions, adventures 
with furious savages — all this is to be read between the lines and hinted 
at by incidental reference. But their adventures have not lacked for 
chroniclers. The actual participants in these adventures rarely wrote 
books, yet they have furnished material for historian and fiction writers. 

.Among the few books of travel written by New Bedford men is 
Reuben Delano's "Wanderings and Adventures, Being a Narrative of 
Twelve Years in a Whaleship," published in 1846 ; "The Arctic Rovings 
or Adventures of a New Bedford Boy on Sea and Land," by D. W. Hall, 
published in 1861 ; the well-known "Gam" by Captain Charles Henry 
Robbins; "Life on the Ocean, or. Thirty-five Years at Sea," being the 
personal adventures of the author, W. C. Paddock, 1893; "Brief Extracts 
from the Journal of a Voyage Performed by the Whale Ship Mercury," 
by Stephen Curtis, Jr., 1844; "The Captive in Patagonia," by Benjamin 
F. Bourne, of New Bedford, published in 1853 ; "Story of the Catalpa," and 
the adventurous rescue of Irish prisoners, written by Z. W. Pease, editor 
of "The Mercury." We must mention an account of the first small boat 
voyage across the Atlantic, written by Mrs. Crapo, the title being 



340 NEW BEDFORD 

"Strange but True, the Life and Adventures of Captain T. Crapo and 
Wife," published 1893. Joshua Slocum must not be forgotten, who wrote 
his wonderful story, "Around the World in the Sloop Spray," published 
in 1903. This has become almost a classic, and has proved of extreme 
interest to young and old alike. Captain Slocum had previously written 
"The Voyage of the Liberdade," in which vessel he had made a trip from 
South America. This was published in 1894. It is a curious fact that 
Captain Slocum, who had wandered the world over in a small boat, un- 
accompanied, and through perils of every sea and every clime, should 
finally have lost his life off the New England coast, practically in his 
home waters. 

A book entitled "Life in Feejee, or, Five Years Among the Canni- 
bals, by a Lady," is said to have been written many years ago by a Mary 
Wallis, the wife of a sea captain who sailed from New Bedford. The 
book is regarded by those conversant with life in the south seas as being 
the best picture of the real Fiji, and that her memory is still cherished 
by the islanders is evidenced by the fact that her name is given to many 
a little black baby. 

One of the most noted of New Bedford's travelers was a native of 
this city. Col. George Earl Church, who by his explorations and his scien- 
tific work in South America acquired world fame in that continent and 
in Europe, attaining the honor of a vice presidency in the Royal Geo- 
graphical Society. Col. Church was chief engineer of the Argentine rail- 
road, and a prolific writer on South American exploration and commer- 
cial development, as well as on Mexican Revolutionary history. 

The next division of our subject takes up biography. Two of the old- 
time clergymen of New Bedford wrote biographies of some interest. 
Mark Trafton, who was at the County Street Methodist Church, wrote 
"Scenes in My Life," 1878. George L. Prentiss, about 1850 connected 
with the Trinitarian Church, wrote a life of his wife, Elizabeth Payson 
Prentiss. Mrs. Prentiss became a prolific writer of religious fiction, her 
"Stepping Heavenward" being especially noteworthy. 

Among the various biographies written by New Bedford people are 
Mr. Crapo's "Memoir of John S. Brayton," Benjamin Rodman's "Memoir 
of Joseph Grinnell," "The Autobiography of Joseph Bates," an Advent 
minister who had more adventures than one usually associates with 
clergymen of that denomination, a Life of George Fox entitled "Valiant 
for Truth," written by Ruth Murray. "Biographical Sketches of the 
Graduates of Yale College," a remarkably complete and accurate com- 
pilation in six volumes, by Franklin B. Dexter, who was born in Fair- 
haven, Daniel Ricketson and his friends, written by Walton and Anna 
Ricketson, "Biography of Samuel Clemens," or Mark Twain, written by 
Albert Bigelow Paine, a native of New Bedford, "From Bondage to 



NEW BEDFORD 341 

Freedom," written by Frederick Douglas, who lived in New Bedford for 
a number of years immediately following his escape from slavery. J. N. 
Morrison wrote "Memoirs of Robert Swain," and a concise history of the 
French in America, entitled "Histoire de la Race Francaise," was written 
by I'Abbe Magnan, published 1912. A book just appearing from the press 
is "Memoranda written by William Rotch." Several New Bedford 
people have been the subject of biography by writers from outside. John 
S. C. Abbott, the historian of Napoleon, wrote a life of Elizabeth T. 
Read. Abraham Shearman, the first New Bedford printer, was the sub- 
ject of a biographical sketch by one of his family and recently published. 
The life of Dr. William G. Eliot, Jr., was written by Mrs. Christopher 
Eliot, his daughter-in-law. A sketch of Elder Daniel Hix was written by 
S. M. Andrews. 

As this section of New England was the birthplace of the early resi- 
dents, and the home of the ancestors of most of the English speaking 
colonists, it would be expected that New Bedford should have 
valuable genealogical material, and that it should be written up by New 
Bedford authors, and it is a fact that some valuable work has been done. 
The history of the Rowland family, by Franklin Rowland, with the 
title, "Genealogical and Biographical Ristory of Arthur, Renry, and John 
Rowland and Their Descendants of the United States and Canada," is 
constantly consulted. 

The publication by the Free Public Library of "The Field Notes of 
Benjamin Crane, Benjamin Hammond, and Samuel Smith" was a monu- 
mental work, most ably edited by Alexander McLellen Goodspeed, who 
prefaced the work with an interesting biography of Thomas Crane. 

"Certain Comeoverers," or the history of the Crapo family, by Renry 
Rowland Crapo, attracted wide attention by its valuable contributions to 
family history and its unique style, which has given to a genealogical 
work the value of being eminently readable. 

William M. Emery has written important books on Maine genealogy 
and history. 

"The Narrative of Thomas Rathaway and His Family, Formerly of 
New Bedford, Mass., with Incidents in the Life of Jemima Wilkinson, 
and the Times in Which They Lived," by Mrs. William Rathaway, Jr., 
is also an interesting piece of writing, and is much sought after by 
genealogical and historical students. 

Ray Greene Ruling, formerly principal of the New Bedford High 
School, wrote extensively on historical, geographical, and pedagogical 
subjects. 

The history of this section has been well covered in the volumes by 
Daniel Ricketson, supplemented by the later writings of Anna and Wal- 
ton Ricketson, the monumental history of New Bedford by Leonard B. 



342 NEW BEDFORD 

Ellis, the "Board of Trade History" by W. L. Sayer, and others, the "Cen- 
tennial History of Fairhaven" by four joint authors. Of these histories 
that by Mr. Ricketson is of great interest and throws a flood of light on 
the early history of this section. The work of Leonard B. Ellis is very 
comprehensive, and furnishes a detailed account of many of the incidents 
and industries of New Bedford up to very recent times. This history is 
also very well indexed. 

"The Story of the Friends' Academy" was prepared by Thomas R. 
Rodman. The writings of James B. Congdon abound in biographical 
and historical notes, mostly in manuscript, but some were published. 

The Old Dartmouth Bi-Centennial in 1864 with the addresses, espe- 
cially the historical address by William W. Crapo, and the poem by 
James B. Congdon, published in 1865, proved a fitting memorial of this 
notable anniversary. 

The history of the Nev^' Bedford Fire Department was well covered 
by Leonard B. Ellis, while the story of the churches of New Bedford was 
written by James S. Kelley. 

Other New Bedford residents who have contributed to historical 
research are notably Henry M. Dexter, Henry B. Worth, the accom- 
plished secretary of our society, whose studies on colonial architecture 
and on Nantucket history have been of great value, Rev. A. H. Quint, the 
historian of a period of the Civil War, embraced in his book "Potomac 
and the Rapidan ;" the accomplished historical student. Miss Anne Rus- 
sell Wall, whose many historical lectures have been supplemented by 
books and pamphlets on history and literature ; Dr. E. R. Tucker, who 
wrote on New Bedford before 1800; Henry B. James, "Memories of the 
Civil War," edited by Lucy M. James, 1898; Frederick E. Cushman, 
"History of the 58th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers," 1865 ; W. C. 
Macy of the old firm of Buckminster & Macy, who continued the story of 
Nantucket from the narrative of his relative, Obed Macy ; Charles S. Kel- 
ley, who has written on the New Bedford Protecting Society ; Edward 
Denham, whose historical studies have extended over many years and who 
made the index for the publication of the Maine Historical Society, con- 
sidered one of the best indexes to historical work which was ever pre- 
pared. J. Henry Lee, formerly of Fairhaven, pursued his genealogical 
studies in England and this country with great precision and accuracy. 
All these make a commendable list of New Bedford authors on genealogy 
and of historical studies. 

One other book we should not omit, an interesting document of the 
early Friends, "Memoirs of Life and Experiences" of Sarah Tucker of 
Dartmouth. 

Among the latest writers is Frederick Wallingford Whitridge, the 
New York financier, a native of New Bedford, who has written a book 



NEW BEDFORD 343 

entitled "One American's Opinion of the European War; an Answer to 
Germany's Appeals." 

Finally the publications of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society 
now numbering 43 furnish a fund of information, much of which is not 
elsewhere obtainable. 

And what of fiction produced by New Bedford authors? George 
Fox Tucker in several short stories, notably "The Quaker Town," has 
vividly pictured life in the New Bedford of forty years ago. Others 
of his stories have many references to this section. A book written 
about twenty years ago by Wilder Dwight Quint, the son of Rev. A. 
H. Quint, and who spent his early life in New Bedford, caused a good 
deal of interest in this vicinity. The book was called "Miss Petti- 
coats," and was written in collaboration with George Tilton Richard- 
son. Rev. Weaker Mitchell, whose poems we have spoken of before, 
wrote two or three novels after he entered the ministry. A. C. Swasey, 
(Mrs. A. C. Field), the daughter of Dr. Swasey, published stories 
in periodicals. Miss Frances Delano, of Fairhaven, has written two or 
three juvenile stories of interest. Miss Adeline Trafton, a prolific novel 
writer, was the daughter of Mark Trafton, who for many years was a 
clergyman in this city, and Elizabeth Prentiss, the author of "Stepping 
Heavenward," and other religious novels, was the wife of Rev. George 
L. Prentiss, of the Trinitarian church. Mrs. Mary J. Taber has trans- 
lated stories from the German, and has also contributed original matter 
to periodicals. Albert Bigelow Paine, referred to above as the biographer 
of Mark Twain, has written stories, many of them of great interest. He 
has written some very attractive juvenile stories also, one of the most 
]iopular being "The Arkansaw Bear." The most prolific writer is 
Frederick W. Davis, who has written a multitude of novels under vari- 
ous psuedonyms such as Nicholas Carter, Scott Campbell, etc. These 
novels are written with amazing rapidity and have a very large client- 
age of readers. Two of the titles may be mentioned, "Reaping the 
Whirlwind," by Nicholas Carter, and "The Fate of Austin Craig," by 
Scott Campbell. 

The most promising of the present day novelists born in New Bed- 
ford is William J. Hopkins, whose "The Clammer," first published in the 
"Atlantic Monthly," revealed a literary stylist whose work gave promise 
of exceedingly good results. His later publications have amply fulfilled 
this expectation. Likewise, his Sandman stories for very young children 
are most delightful and show the same keen analysis of child nature 
which his mother had demonstrated in her works on psychology. 

In "Moby Dick," by Herman Melville, is an interesting chapter on 
the sailors' quarters in old New Bedford. "The Cruise of the Cachalot" 
by Frank T. Bullen, pictures this city. "Miss Petticoats," just referred 



344 NEW BEDFORD 

to, is a story which has its scenes entirely in this immediate locahty. 
Richard Harding Davis has referred to New Bedford and Fairhaven in 
a number of his stories and books, one of the latest references being in 
■"The Log of the Jolly Polly.'' Kenneth Weeks, in a volume of sketches 
called "Driftwood," has a very appreciative reference to the history of 
iVew Bedford. Lady Emmeline S. Wortley, in her travels in the United 
States published in 185 1, refers to her experiences here. George Fox 
Tucker contributed to the "New England Magazine," an article on New 
Bedford. An amazing item in the last edition of the "Encyclopedia 
Britannica," makes interesting reading, although the accuracy of the 
statement might be seriously questioned. The author of the article on 
the whale fishery says, "Whenever practicable, the whales caught by the 
vessels belonging to the great sperm whaling station at New Bedford 
are towed into the harbor for flensing." The author must have had in 
mind the painting by William A. Wall, which hangs on the walls of the 
P.iblic Library, showing the sloops of the early days bringing in their 
cargoes of blubber to trade with the Indians. 

In bringing to an end this fragmentary paper on the writers of New- 
Bedford, we can only say that though our search has revealed no rich 
Argosies, freighted deep with learning, with eloquence, with stores of 
accumulated wisdom, and a very few of the sharp-prowed clipper ships 
ot brilliant satire and romance, yet the blunt nosed craft like our staunch 
whalers have touched at various ports in their course, and always 
have brought home useful cargoes, with occasional rich bales, and lumps 
of ambergris. So it is very fair to say that even in its literary produc- 
tions, the writers of New Bedford have lived up to the city motto, and 
can say they too dispensed light. 




CHAPTER XLIV. 
The Story of Water Street and Other Old Streets. 

By Elmore P. Haskins. 
The town of Portsmouth in 1657, reduced the quantity of land 
allotted to each of its citizens. It further discouraged the coming of 
new settlers, by voting that nearly all the undivided land "be a perpetuall 
comon to the town for ever." Six years before, 1652, thirty-six dwellers 
in the town of Plymouth purchased nearly one hundred and forty square 
miles of territory whose northern boundary was not far from this 
crowded district. A stream of home makers from the island of Rhode 
Island and elsewhere settled on this "goodly land." The Plymouth Col- 
ony, by its persecution of the Quakers, enriched this settlement with the 
names of Allen, Wing, Kirby, and Gifford. Six years later, in 1664, so 
numerous had they become, that they were granted the rights and 
privileges of a separate township by the Court of Plymouth 

We pass over a period of nearly one hundred years, when on the west 
side of the Acushnet river, in 1760, a little village was begun. We do not 
know when the first vessel sailed down the river, past Palmer's Island, 
out into the Atlantic in search of whales. Perhaps earlier than 1750. In 
1760, the business on both sides of the river, of fitting the little whalers, 
trying out the oil from the cargoes of blubber, was of considerable 
magnitude. It became a problem, where to house the mechanics, 
mariners, and laborers, who in increasing numbers, sought employment 
on our shores, but the real estate men of that day were alive to the 
situation. Elnathan Eldridge bought a six acre tract, not including 
the oil works and ware house thereon, and named it Oxford. Noah 
Allen purchased twenty acres farther down the river and called it Fair- 
haven. These land developers knew the drawing power of a euphonious 
name. Near Noah Allen's purchase also, there were oil works and a 
store house. These large sections of land were divided into house lots 
and ofifered for sale. 

To further develop his growing business, and to meet the competi- 
tion of his friendly rivals, Joseph Russell sold portions of his farm near 
the river. It was easy to purchase land in Fairhaven, and that side of 
the river, perhaps gave promise of greater prosperity. In December, 
the month that Joseph Russell sold his first piece of land. Noah Allen 
delivered the deeds of seven house lots to future home makers ; two 
coopers, two mariners, two yeomen, one laborer, and a cordwainer or 
shoemaker. 

But these rapid sales sealed the future of the eastern bank, for, when, 
in 1765, Joseph Rotch desired to transfer his whaling industry from 



346 NEW BEDFORD 

Nantucket to the mainland, he was unable to buy sufficient land in Fair- 
haven for his purpose. He bought the famous ten acre tract in Bed- 
ford Village, and our future was secure. 

Let us consider a few dry facts relating to the acceptance of the 
different parts of Water street. Before Joseph Russell sold his first 
house lot "at the foot of my homestead farm," there was a path or way 
along the shore. It ran close to the river at Commercial street, wound 
over Prospect Hill, and to the Kempton Line. In 1764, William Mac- 
om'ber purchased land on Joseph Russell's northern boundarj' on the 
shore with "the privilege of passing at any time, and at all times in a 
drift or bridle way by gates and bars to ye open way." The open way 
is the present Union street. He bound his heirs and assigns "to main- 
tain a good cart gate at ye said open way." 

About 1764, Joseph Russell prepared a plan showing both sides of 
Main street with cross streets well defined. The plan is lost, but Water 
street from School to Madison streets is easily traced by deeds. Through 
the efforts of Joseph Rotch, the connecting link from Lowden's line, a 
few rods south of Union street to School street, was made. This com- 
pleted a continuous road for all the owners of the land in the new 
settlement. In 1769, the town of Dartmouth accepted this road or way, 
from the purchase of Joseph Rotch, north of Union street to present 
Aladison street, and Water street first became a public highway. We 
learn from an old map of Joseph Pickens, surveyor, that not until 1788, 
ten 3-ears after the town was destroyed by the British, Water street 
was extended to Bridge or Middle street. There were serious difficulties 
at the south ; two rope walks barred the way. It was opened from near 
Griffin street to the Cove in 1825, but five years elapsed before the 
obstructions were removed and the connecting link made. The line of 
the shore was far west of Water street north of Middle street. Not un- 
til 1840 was the extension made as far as North street. 

The opening of Water street from North to Hillman was the cause 
of the most exciting meeting in the history of the town. The record is 
easily found, but it may be of interest to recall the public spirit exhibited 
by the citizens of that day. Meetings were held twice daily for three 
days. At the close of the sixth session there were three hundred and 
fifty-two men present. The street was accepted, and the town voted to 
release Samuel Rodman from his bond of two thousand dollars for 
damages paid to George Howland, his opponent and co-owner in the 
land. Fearing, however, that his fellow-townsmen might misconstrue 
his action in accepting this release, prompted by his high sense of honor, 
he paid the amount into the public treasury. The bounds of Water 
street have since remained unchanged, except the widening of John 
Lowden's right of way from Union street south to School street. Water 



NEW BEDFORD 347 

street is one hundred and thirty-seven years old. For one hundred and 
thirty-seven years have the descendants of the Pilgrims, and a host of 
men from every land and clime used this street as a public highway. Let 
us glance at the surroundings where it began : — 

In 1765, five houses, a blockmaker's shop and the buildings of 
William Macomber, cordwainer, were all that marked "The Little Way." 
'J'o the east, near the present Center street, was a small structure cover- 
ing a few try pots. There were probably a few shops and other buildings 
connected with the infant industry. This was Bedford Settlement in 

1765- 

Thirteen years later, when the Redcoats marched down Kmg street 
to take revenge on Bedford Village for the ravages of its privateers, 
they found Water street a hive of industry, a store-house of treasure. 
It was lined with dwellings, stores, and shops. One of our historians, 
Daniel Ricketson, furnishes us with a list of sixteen houses then on 
Water street, of which ten were standing in 1846. Many of the twenty 
shops, including the distillery, were there. These were the days of pod- 
augers, goose-quill pens, and handmade nails; when painters ground 
their lead between two stones. We marvel to-day at the amount and 
quality of the work done in those early years. Men felled the trees in 
the forest, made the tools, and built the ships that weathered the gales 
for half a century. They built houses not only durable and strong, but 
some of whose details are reproduced to-day as models of beauty. On 
the water front they filled the land, made the streets, dug the wells, and 
built the wharves. 

The morning of September 5th, 1778, dawned on a Water street rich 
with the results of enterprise and labors on land and sea for a decade. 
It closed with many of its homes, its stores, its warehouses, its ships, 
and even its wharves in ashes. The value of the property destroyed 
was estimated at half a million. Even Joseph Russell, so the record 
states, was stripped of nearly all his property, and Joseph Rotch left 
the village. In a few years the war was over, the men of Bedford 
Village, though broken in fortune, took heart again, and Water street 
stirred with new endeavor. From 1820 to 1857 were the years of our 
greatest financial gains; from 1785 to 1812 were the constructive years 
that made the latter success a certainty. In these years, the wharves we 
see to-day were located. Substantial buildings were built that were used 
for purposes connected with the whaling until its decline. A glance 
at the map of Elisha Leonard, shows the names of the purchasers and 
dates of the purchase of different parcels of land from 1760 to 1815. 
The greater portion of the farm of Joseph Russell, extending from a few 
rods north of Union street nearly to Madison street and from County 
street to the water, had at this date been conveyed. That portion of the 



348 NEW BEDFORD 

Kempton farm east of Foster street had also been sold to house lot 
purchasers. The new owners were in many instances connected with 
some branch of business on Water street. By this test, we are assured 
of the prosperity on our money-gathering thoroughfare. Water street 
has suffered in three wars; destroyed in 1778, prostrated in 1812, des- 
poiled in i860. 

The effects of the struggle of 1812 are described in Ellis's "History 
of New Bedford." He writes : "Bedford Village was in a sad condition 
when the second war with England was brought to a close. The wheels 
of industry had long since ceased to move, and the fleets of vessels that 
had brought wealth and prosperity had been driven from the ocean ; her 
shops and shipyards were closed ; her wharves lined with dismasted 
vessels. The port was closed against every enterprise by the close 
blockade of the enemy, and the citizens wandered about the streets in 
enforced idleness." Peace was at length declared. Enthusiastic citizens 
covered the four corners with arches and bunting, illuminated their 
homes with candles and the light of good sperm oil, and even greeted 
the Corsicans with the glad hand of common rejoicing. Water street 
again fitted its ships, and the long silent anvils rang with the sound of 
productive toil. 

Water street was at first a place for dwellings. The view from 
Prospect Hill of the winding shore, the cedar covered islands, the 
broadening bay, and the beauty of the farther shore, — these made old 
Water street a residential thoroughfare that to-day has not an equal. 
Joseph Rotch chose for the site of his first home the spot where now 
stands the building of Wood, Brightman & Co. Its character is now 
unknown, — it was destroyed in 1778. 

In 1789 and 1801, William Rotch presented to William Rotch, Jr., 
and to Samuel Rodman each a strip of land on the west corners of 
William and Water streets. Here they built their dwellngs. Life must 
have been full of cheer in those two homes. The owners were the 
respected leaders in the social and business affairs of the town. The 
Friends meeting looked to them for support and not in vain. One 
building, the William Rotch house, with its old style front, can still be 
seen. It is the Mariners' Home on Bethel street. The other is within 
the large building on the old location. These we find in part, but we 
prefer in imagination to see the spacious rooms, with furniture now 
antique, the blazing hearth, and the kitchen with its swinging cranes. 
Brazilla Myrick, Benjamin Taber and Elnathan Sampson enjoyed their 
pleasant corners on King and Water streets. Here with neighbor 
Loudon and neighbor Shepherd, they gathered to talk of the catch of 
Russell's little fleet, the "Hannah," the "Nancy." the "Greyhound." and 
the "Polly." The boisterous crews of later days were then unknown. The 



NEW BEDFORD 349 

foundations of the distillery were not then laid, but they came full 
soon, and the four corners changed from a quiet place for children and 
for homes, to a place of noise and traffic. 

South of Union was a long street, and the land on both sides had 
been divided into house lots. Here, with the unbroken shore before 
them, the early residences were built. Here lived Whippey, Sands 
Wing, and Leonard Jarvis, employed by the authorities of Boston to 
charter privateers and watch the British fleet. Here lived the How- 
lands, Grinnells, Aliens, and many more whose names are household 
words. It was a charming neighborhood. 

Here William Russell, chairmaker, built his home on the southeast 
corner of Queen (School) and Water streets. An interesting anecdote 
is told of him. When the British threatened the village, William Russell 
took the works from his tall clock and hid them in a distant wall. He 
returned in time to save his house, which had been fired by soldiers. 
In later years, its dwellers moved farther west. The taverns patronized 
by crews returning from long successful voyages changed quiet, resi- 
dential Water street. For similar reasons, the corners of Middle and 
Water streets lost their reputation. We need not rehearse the well 
known story of the Arks. Unlike the ancient time, the scoffers were 
within, the righteous stood without. The buildings were of little value 
and the occupants are forgotten. The Arks were burned at different 
times, three years intervening between the riots. The same men who 
in their wrath destroyed the first Ark, joined a vigilance committee to 
prevent further outbreaks. The incident is valuable as showing the 
spirit of the citizens of 1826 and 1829; they corrected their own abuses. 
They violated the law ; observing the eiTect, they rigidly enforced it. 
The list of no citizens who formed this vigilance committee is interest- 
ing; they were the representative men of the time. The organization 
has had a continuous existence and is now known as the Protecting 
Society. 

\\'e can hardly realize that ships stood high on their stocks and 
were launched from Water street. The "Dartmouth" that left its freight 
of tea in front of Boston, was built near Hazard's dock. Then, Hazard's 
dock was almost Water street. 

The old "Rebecca" of 1785. claimed to have been the first vessel 
"round the Horn" in search of oil, was launched from Water street at 
North street. She was an enormous vessel, 175 tons burden, so the 
rumor ran. People came from far and near ; from as far as Taunton 
and Bridgewater, to view the monster. George Claghorn was the 
builder, who also built "Old Ironsides." In his day the shore line was 
half way to Second street. After the land had been filled and the 
wharves extended, the large ships were built on the river bank, beyond 



350 NEW BEDFORD 

the line of Water street. Here at Alaxfield street, the "Hillmans" built 
their splendid clipper ships, unsurpassed for beauty and for speed. At 
Belleville, the "Stetsons" launched the whale ships that filled the coffers 
of the merchants of our street. To the merchants of Water street, 
in large measure belongs the honor of the great success of our former 
industry ; to the men who repaired the hull, calked the seams, who set 
the rigging, and bent the sails. When "Soule and Edwards" or Samuel 
Dammon had finished their work the owners felt secure. When 
Benjamin Gage or James Drew or the "Cannons" had calked the seams, 
letters from distant ports read : "Our pumps are seldom used." The 
rigging securely set by Curtis and Gammons or Amos Baker defied the 
howling blasts. They and many more — spar makers, joiners, block- 
makers, shipsmiths, whose faultless anchor chains saved many a vessel 
from destruction. The Water street mechanics, masters and men. by 
their honest work, made the long successful voyages a possibility. 

Only one of the many oil refineries on this street now remains, that 
established by George W. Baker, before 1850. It is now operated by 
William A. Robinson & Co. One near Middle street helped to make the 
fortune of the founder of the "Swain Free School." These old stone 
buildings have been used for many purposes. David A. Snell established 
his mechanical bakery in the oil refinery of Samuel Rodman. Here was 
first introduced into New England the device of a revolving wheel within 
the ovens. This bakery was a busy place during the Civil War. Here, 
tons of army bread were packed by the deft fingers of a small army of 
boys and girls. "More boxes" was the constant cry. My brother was a 
sub-contractor in this department. The writer was a sub-sub-contractor 
and after school and Saturdays, filled knot holes and pieced the ends. 

On the north side of the bank building, opposite the bakery, was a 
unique watering place. Water from springs beneath the Custom house, 
led through logs, fed the cannon fountain. The wells along and near 
Water street were in constant use. The old well beside the house of 
Samuel Rodman was famous. Another in Rose Alley had a reputation. 
An old prescription of a popular medicine, on the books of a neighbor- 
ing druggist reads in part: "Aqua Rosa Pumpa." We look for the 
origin of the name of the alley. A rose garden in the rear of the 
house of Benjamin Taber bordered the path ; its color and perfume 
pleased the dwellers of Water street, and they gave the name Rose to 
the little lane. There came a day when its odor changed and the change 
was great. It must have smelled to heaven, for our early historian says 
he always went through it on the run. A water boat supplied the 
vessels in the stream, filled from a pump near the corner of Water and 
Hillman streets. The old boatman would pump for hours with the regu- 
larity of a machine. On summer nights, the neighbors heard his even 
stroke well into the morning hours. 



NEW BEDFORD 35i 

Among the financiers of Water street was a peculiar character : Asa 
Dyer. He followed a primeval industry— digging clams. His garb 
was more peculiar than attractive, the patches were legion. In the 
winter time numerous layers of canvas covered his feet. As the spring 
advanced a shedding process began. His constant fear of thieves led 
him to put his savings in peculiar places. A loose board in the wall, 
or floor and old chair cushion served his purpose. One of his old straw 
hats was accidentally destroyed; within the lining was a roll of bills. 
In his cellar was found old tin cans filled with war scrip. Even the 
Washington expert could not determine its value ; the rust that doth 
corrupt had ruined his treasure. 

At the head of Water street, at Middle, lived General Lincoln. 
Next east was the home of Asa Smith, postmaster and farther west 
Jehaziel Jenney, the joker of his time. The two west corners were oc- 
cupied by Samuel Rodman, Jr., on the north, and Captain Reuben Swift 
on the south. Just south of Swift's stood the old shop of Anthony 
Richmond, the first coppersmith in the town. His partner was Timothy 
Dyer, a fervent Methodist. He put into the business the integrity 
born of the sunrise meetings in the old "Elm Street" loft. In this 
shop, Frederic Douglass studied his book, while blowing the bellows 
for his daily bread. In the height of his fame, he came back to the old 
place and chatted with his fellow workman, Reuben Gardner. 

The corner of Elm and Water streets was always an attractive 
place for boys. Here in the old building, built in 1792 by Joseph Austin, 
were James and Giles Fales. Honorable names these in the little busi- 
ness world of Water street. Here they labored for fifty years, winning 
for themselves honorable names by careful labor and fair dealing. One 
window displayed guns and pistols ; in the rounded window on the 
corner, watches hung in tempting rows. Opposite was a carpenter's 
shop, whose sign displayed a name found on the proprietor's records — 
Manasseh Kempton. Farther south, at the foot of Madison street was 
Dudley Davenport's shop, the most prominent builder of his time. His 
shop, three stories high, had a tower and clock. Beside the benches, 
men made, one by one, the doors and sashes that machinery now pro- 
duces by the thousand. Later, a few machines were introduced, driven 
by steam. 

To prevent a recurrence of great loss by fire, he used every pre- 
caution for the protection of his property. In a conspicuous place he 

posted this sign : 

No smoking in this Yard, 

Except by John Pincard. 

In his chimney you may see 

Smoke enough for you and me. 

Dudley Davenport and Robert Chase were rival carpenters. Each 



352 NEW BEDFORD 

built one-half of the bank building at the foot of William street. The 
shafts of the columns were to be made according to the rules of the 
order, so the specifications ran. The dimensions at the base and top 
were given. The diameter of the columns half way between the base 
and the capital was the uncertain quantity. How much should they 
swell? The builders could not agree. Looking at the corner columns 
in each group of four, the varying theories of the builders still appear. 
Major Warren, of Providence the architect, decided that the columns 
at the north, built by Robert Chase were right. It was in their day 
(in 1840) that Water street went on a strike. 

The working day was from sun to sun. The wages were the same 
for the long day in June and for the shortest day in December. The 
mechanics desired that ten hours should constitute a day's work. The 
introduction of machinery and the increasing number of skilled work- 
men permitted a reduction of hours. 

For three weeks Water street was silent, for the opposition among 
employers was very great. An open air meeting was held, at which 
George Howland was the chief spokesman. Mounting a barrel he de- 
clared that he would be the last man to submit to demands so unreason- 
able. Another speaker said the men ought to be ashamed to be seen 
going home in the middle of the afternoon. The men thought differently. 
More liberal counsels prevailed and the strike was ended. 

There have been many changes in Water street north of Middle 
street. It was more than half a century after George Claghorn built 
the "Rebecca" that the shore line was straightened and our street grew 
in length to Hillman street. In his day, the line of the shore was half 
way to Second street. A little inlet to the spar yard of William Beetle 
and his son, Rodolphus, was covered by a bridge on the highway. It 
was a street for cooper and blacksmith shops, spar yards, and rigging 
lofts. The only chandlery store was that of Rodney French and Charles 
D. Burt, at Hillman street. The tide ebbed and flowed under the build- 
ing, keeping ships' knees free from worms. At the head of Water street 
stood Rodman's cotton mill : later the building was used for a flour 
mill. 

A fire that swept the section between North and Middle streets was 
one of the most destructive in our history. A ship, twenty buildings, 
and 8,000 barrels of oil were burned. Men with big brush brooms, in 
scorching heat and blinding smoke, beat out the burning embers, and 
saved 14,000 barrels of oil. The need of insurance was never more clearly 
shown. Ellis's History states that the loss was over a quarter of a 
million, while the insurance was less than $7,000. Oil tlowed in the 
streets and over the wharves into the docks. It needed but a slender 
outfit to catch oil that day ; a depression in the street, a dipper and an 



NEW BEDFORD 353 

empty barrel. The lumber yard and planing mill of William Wilcox 
and his successors was a centre of the wood working industry. From 
about 1870 to 1885 was the period of its greatest activity. The old post- 
master and General Lincoln would be amazed at the Water street of 
to-day. The site of their former homes is now "Bridge square." The 
best illustration of the change from the whaling industry to cotton is 
shown in the north part of Water street. The last whaler built on the 
Water front was launched from Rowland's wharf. Here for fifty years 
vessels were fitted and great cargoes of oil were landed. To-day it is 
covered with coal for cotton mills. On the square where the oil was 
saved, and fortunes were made in whaling, stands a yarn mill. The 
story of the "four-corners" has often been told. Descriptions of the square 
between William and Union streets with its stores, its banks, and its 
famous lawyers are familiar reading. South Water street has been 
neglected. It had its ship yard in John Loudon's day. It has its 
foundries, its machine shops, its gas plant, and many more. Samuel 
Leonard, one of the greatest oil refiners of his time, would hardly find 
the old salt works at the Cove, nor in the great clubhouse discover his 
former home. Shunning the "broomstick train" and walking through 
the street now lined with blocks and stores, he would marvel at the 
foreign sights and sounds. We have only outlined in this paper the 
story of Water street. The changes have been many. The buildings 
will pass away. But the legacy that is ours, is the knowledge of the 
noble deeds performed by an army of self-made men, who were loyal, 
earnest, and scornful of ease. Their story is the story of Water street. 

Other Historic Streets. 
The following is also from the pen of Mr. Elmore P. Haskins: 

When in 1652 John Cook, Samuel Hicks, George Soule, Samuel 
Cuthbert, Jonathan Delano, James Shaw, actual settlers and other pur- 
chasers, came from Plymouth to inspect their newly acquired posses- 
sions, they doubtless followed the old Indian trail from Plymouth to 
Newport. This trail, known as the "Old Rhode Island Way," or the 
"King's Highway"' did not pass through what afterward became the 
industrial centre of the town of New Bedford. Leaving the head of the 
river, it followed the line of the Tarkiln Hill road to the present Acush- 
net station ; thence through the Hathaway road to Smith's Mills, by the 
old road to Head of Westport ; then through Tiverton to Dan How- 
land's Ferry (1685-1690) and thence to Newport. 

To inspect this portion of their purchase, the new comers left the 
main trail at the head of the river and followed what is believed to have 
been a minor Indian trail, which ran beside the river bank, then up the 
slope near Weld street, and wound along the crest of the hill to Clark's 
Cove. Though lacking the water power around which the early settlers 
gathered at Smith's and Russell's Mills, the level land and wooded slope 



354 NEW BEDFORD 

on the west bank of the river appealed to the new settlers as desirable 
for farming purposes. 

The Plymouth proprietors and owners of this territory made a 
partial division of their lands in 1690, and about 1710, Benjamin Crane, 
surveyor, defined the boundary lines of the various farms through which 
ran the old trail or path. Among the owners at this date we find the 
names Allen, Ward, Jenney, Pope, Willis, Kempton and Russell. One 
of the first records of this path is found in the old layout of 1704-05. It 
reads: 

Laid out a drift way to go down through the lots on the West side of Cushenit 
river, to turn out of the Country road a little to the westward of the first brook on 
the west side of the bridge over Cushenit river where is now and so in the old path 
till it comes to a marked red oke bush and then to turn out on the west side of the 
old way and so to go along in the new path above the new fenced land till it comes 
to the land of Stephen Peckum, and then over the bridge in his pasture and then 
south-westerly till it comes into the path and thence along the path till it comes into 
the way that comes from Clark's Cove. 

We may not be able to follow the bed of the first brook west from 
the river, or to locate the "red oke bush," or the bridge in pasture of "Ste- 
phen Peckum ;" but in the County street and Acushnet avenue of our 
day, straightened to be sure, to meet the demands of a later time, we are, 
in part, following the old paths used by the Indians and the Pilgrims. 

In 1800 the town of New Bedford laid out the road from Clark's 
Cove "to the way from the Head of the river to Tarkiln Hill." They laid 
it out four rods wide. In 1830 the street was accepted fifty feet wide from 
South to Kempton and the name changes from County road to County 
street. 

To properly descibe County street would be to rehearse a goodly 
portion of the history of the town and city of New Bedford, and add an 
important chapter to the records of the older town of Dartinouth. For 
a hundred years it was the main thoroughfare of the town, and residential 
from its beginnings. Near it were the substantial farm houses of our 
earliest settlers, Joseph Russell, Ephraim Kempton and Colonel Samuel 
Willis. In time, the heavy timbered lean-to or gambrel roofs gave place 
to more classical lines. Solidity was still the chief feature, but the style 
of architecture was borrowed from Greece. These houses, with frontages 
like Greek temples, dotted the old way and became the pride of the town's 
people. In 1835 Charles Francis Adams, after visiting us, writes in his 
diary : "We were taken to see the street which has risen like magic, and 
which presents more noble looking mansions than any other in the coun- 
try." High walls, sheltered beautiful gardens, with quaint box-bordered 
beds, where traditions flourished as did the peonis and the larkspur. 

This old way could boast of one garden, one of the finest in America, 
the James Arnold garden, where the flowers thought it their business and 
dutv to bloom for the public ; for here, contrary to all custom the public 
were freely invited, a pioneer step toward the development of a park sys- 
tem, a system which does so much towards giving happiness and content- 
ment to the people of a city. 

At frequent intervals trees were planted along the minor Indian trail, 
and these have made portions of the street of our day, picturesque indeed 
with their over-arching leafy branches in summer and their "twig 
tracery" against the sky in winter. 



NEW BEDFORD 



35; 



The soldiers of all wars have marched upon County street. Captaih 
Church, the famous Indian fighter, trudged through it with his little band 
on his way to the Russell garrison (July, 1676). Captain Kempton's 
minute men, capable of "stout deeds," tramped through it. The Red- 
coats, flushed with victory from a raid on defenceless storehouses, 
marched bravely up King street to the County road, and on to Acushnet 
to the work of destruction of more defenceless dwellings. The soldiers 
of 1S12 marched through it to certain victory. The street has known the 
footstep of every citizen soldier of the Civil War. It welcomed those 
who faced the fever and the danger of our latest war with Spain, and the 
men who have gone to the last and greatest of all wars. It has felt the 
thrill of patriotism of each Independence Day since public celebrations 
first began. 

The broad, well kept thoroughfare, with its pleasant homes, is now 
dotted with churches. Rich as it is in historical associations and beauty, 
it will ever remain our highest pride. 

The cart path of Joseph Russell is the present Union street. Its 
surface was rough and stony when in 1760 the produce of his farm was 
hauled to the shore in fitting the early whaling schooners for their little 
voyages of a few weeks cruising on the Atlantic. The business prospered 
and additional road facilities became a necessity. Joseph Russell had 
two fortunes within his grasp. One was in the sea, the other in his lands, 
and he seized them both. As early as 1764 he devised a plan whereby a 
prosperous village should be built upon the lower portion of his farm. 
This plan, in its development, was not only profitable to him, but was 
comprehensive and far-reaching in its results, and laid the foundation of 
our whole street system. It had Union street for its base and included 
Spring, School, Walnut streets and eight cross streets, commencing at 
the river. He assumed that the squares would soon be occupied by 
home-makers who were attracted by the increasing business at the river 
side, and his hopes were realized as the following will show. 

The first land sold, on the line of future Union street, was on the 
south side of the open way extending from "the first street," now Water 
street, to the river. This was in 1761. In 1762, Elnathan Sampson pur- 
chased the land on the southwest corner of "the first street" and the open 
way. By the close of 1765, all the land on the north side of the way as 
far west as Acushnet avenue had been conveyed. Before the close of the 
year 1800, all the land with the exception of four lots, on both sides of the 
street, as far west as present Eighth street had been sold, and besides 
this, purchasers had been found for forty other parcels of land between 
Union and Walnut streets. By 181 5, but six parcels remained uncon- 
veved in the tract bounded by Union, Walnut, County streets and the 
river. 

It is interesting to note that one, the parcel of land situated on the 
southwest corner of Union street and Acushnet avenue, was purchased 
by Daniel Ricketson, Sr.. and still remains in the possession of his family. 
The building now standing on this site was partly timbered from the 
oak trees which grew upon this lot. 

The Russell comprehensive plan was realized. Rows of houses were 
builded on the trodden paths constantly widening by time and use. By 
1800 First and Second streets had crossed the three parallel thorough- 
fares known in the early days as Queen, Spring and New streets. This 



356 NEW BEDFORD 

development was all but completely checked by the Revolution. During 
the war and in the three years following but two deeds were presented 
for record for Joseph Russell's land. 

In considering the small number of recorded deeds in the decade 
following 1/74, one reads between the lines the extent to which the war 
had absorbed the energy and business interests of the town north of 
Union street and developed the caution south of it. 

In 1765 Joseph Rotch bought the famous ten-acre lot extending from 
the river nearly to Pleasant street. Its northern boundary was the south 
side of neighbor Kempton's land, one hundred feet south from Elm 
street. 

Joseph Russell was far too wise to sell land by the acre on what 
might become a popular residential and business thoroughfare. For the 
south boundary of the ten-acre lot he established a line about two hun- 
dred and sixty-six (266) feet north of Union street. He also disposed 
of nearly all the land between this tract and County street. These sales 
established a division three hundred and fifty (350) feet in width between 
two sections of the town, which remains in part to this day. Joseph 
Rotch retained the entire tract during his lifetime and nearly his entire 
purchase remained in the Rotch family for sixty years and more. 

So long and so perfectly was this section kept intact that Daniel 
Ricketson remembered well haymakers swinging their scythes where 
the Baptist church now stands. It was not until 1796, when the Congre- 
gational Society purchased for forty dollars the land where the Mer- 
chants' Bank now stands, that any portion of the great tract was sold. 

A year before this sale and thirty years after the purchase of this 
central tract, William street was presented to the town for acceptance 
from Water street to a point a little over two hundred (200) feet west 
of the new church site, and Purchase and Second streets crossed the 
dividing tract. 

Early New Bedford spread over the portions of two farms, one 
owned by Joseph Russell, the other by the Kempton heirs. The great 
farm of Ephraim Kempton, the first of the name to make Dartmouth his 
residence, extended from one hundred (100) feet south of Elm street 
nearly to Smith street on the north, and from the river to Rockdale 
avenue. On these farms grew two rival settlements. While Joseph Rus- 
sell was planning a future city, and Joseph Rotch was looking forward 
to the capture of the oil markets of the world, the Kempton farmers per- 
haps saw visions and dreamed dreams of great clipper ships being builded 
on their shores, or their pastures and their swamp lands being occupied 
by homes, work shops and stores. 

We cannot now state the time when the owners of the Kempton 
farm first opened the ways and streets upon which we travel to-day. 
Probably before the conveyances whereby we trace their lines — in 1772. 
Zadok Maxfield, cooper and surveyor, recorded the first sale of Kempton 
land on the corner of Maxfield and Second streets. As early as 1774 
George Claghorn, builder of the "Constitution," established a ship-yard 
on what is now the junction of North and Second streets. The carting 
of the heavy logs for this yard may have opened a new path over the 
rocky hill. Its importance was so apparent that in 1787, thirteen years 
after the location of the ship-yard, it was accepted by the town as North 
street. 



NEW BEDFORD 357 

As we have already stated, there was a lack of cross streets between 
Union and this first street through the Kempton property. It will be 
interesting to note in part the differences developed on account of this 
separation. South of the Kempton line lived the men who owned the 
whaling and merchant ships ; north of it lived the builders of these ves- 
sels. 

At the south the Friends' meeting maintained its long, deep silences ; 
to the north of the barrier the Congregational meetings rang with hymns. 
In those days the churches could not always be depended upon to sow 
seeds of unity, so if there were two churches, there must necessarily be 
two schools. The Friends, very early, established one on Bethel street, 
while the north proprietors established one on Purchase street. Rev. Dr. 
West seemed to have been the presiding genius of the latter, and no 
doubt the children of his parish formed the majority of the forty permitted 
to attend. 

New dwellings, general traffic, church goers, school children, devel- 
oped a new path, and the street we call Purchase crossed the barrier and 
was accepted from Union to Maxfield in 1795. For years streets devel- 
oped north and south of the barrier, and ducats and decades were needed 
to unite them, nearly a century in fact to connect two of our great thor- 
oughfares. Pleasant and Third streets. Though most of the cross streets 
are continuous in name they still refuse to cross their original boundaries. 

We have North and South Second streets ; North and South Sixth 
streets ; Fifth and Pleasant street ; Fourth and Purchase streets. Only one 
of these old streets, Acushnet avenue, can boast of a new name. In join- 
ing Third and Ray streets, both names were abandoned, and it is now one 
of our most appropriately named thoroughfares, though it is to be re- 
gretted that the name of R-e-a is lost. 

The rapid growth of the town made an increasing demand for new 
thoroughfares. In the year 1800 a great interest in street extension was 
developed. Spring, School, Second, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and High streets 
received attention. In the ten years following 1800 many new streets 
were added to the accepted list. Elm, High, Willis and Bush streets 
among the number. Roads leading to adjoining villages were also con- 
sidered in the development of the town. 

Even after Uriel Rea opened the first store on the corner of Prospect 
and "the First street," the people of the little settlement patronized 
Elishib Smith, owner of the saw and grist mills, from whom Smith Mills 
village derives its name. Here also was the most important store in the 
whole community, the great department store of the Cummings. To 
reach this store the customer must choose one of two routes. One to 
Acushnet, then by the Hathaway road, which was the old Indian trail ; 
or along the head of Clark's Cove, past Bliss corner, then by way of the 
Slocum and Hathaway roads to the mills. To quote Abigail Dodge they 
were "twelve miles from a lemon." 

In 1787 a street was opened from County street as far west as Noel 
Taber road — now Rockdale avenue, the west line of the Kempton farm. 
This was the year of separation of the town of New Bedford from the 
town of Dartmouth. 

The inhabitants of New Bedford were anxious for a more direct way 
to one of their sources of supplies. The citizens of the parent town 
declined to grant the way. Why should they waste their substance to 



358 NEW BEDFORD 

save people of another town a few miles of travel? It was not until the 
year 1797, and only then by the order of the court, that the direct com- 
munication was made a possibility. This new connecting link proved of 
such mutual benefit, however, that in 1819, the two towns joined in lay- 
ing out another straight connecting thoroughfare from Allen street in 
New Bedford to Elm street in South Dartmouth. From New Bedford 
to the Dartmouth line it is named Dartmouth street ; in Dartmouth to 
the New Bedford line, it is called Bedford street. 

Benjarnin Crane, surveyor, a sensible broad-minded man, spent the 
major portion of the years from 1710 to 1721 in dividing the town of 
Dartmouth into farms and laying out its roads. Each road was four rods 
in width. After his death the "proprietors" passed an unwise vote in 
accordance with which all roads were laid out two rods wide. For- 
tunately County street followed the earlier measurement. 

The first accepted streets of the town were short and of varying 
widths. Water street was thirty (30) feet wide; Union, forty-six (46); 
Second, forty (40) ; Fourth, thirty-eight (38) ; and Fifth, thirty-nine (39) 
feet in width. 

The "red oke" or "crooked black oak" method of defining the lines 
of roads and streets caused endless trouble and confusion. In 1829 the 
town appointed a committee of prominent citizens to establish the lines 
of the streets of the town as accurately as possible, and secure them by 
durable monuments." The committee consisted of Samuel Rodman, Jr., 
Thomas Mandell, James Arnold, Abraham GifTord, Thomas A. Greene, 
Killey Eldridge and James Howland (2d). In their report they stated, 
that, while measures by course and compass might serve in an open coun- 
try, in a compact town a few inches is deemed of sufficient importance to 
involve men in serious disputes and difficulties. They found that fences, 
stone walls and buildings extended liberally into accepted thoroughfares. 
They discovered that Joshua Davis' shop projected about two feet two 
inches into Second street ; that Zenas Whittemore occupied three feet 
eight inches of the same street for his soap and candle manufactory ; that 
his neighbor, Charles Cannon, had built his house and shop two feet 
five inches over the proper line : that "the wood house and chaise house 
of William Rotch, Jr., extended from five to nine inches beyond the south 
line of William street as now laid." 

The committee recommended that these projecting buildings and 
fences be allowed to remain, unless the town for public purposes removed 
them at the town's expense. After stating that there still remained cer- 
tain desirable changes that may be made the report closes as follows : 
"If. therefore, the town shall think proper to continue the committee for 
the purpose of effecting this object in such way as they may deem most 
eligible, and calculated to fix boundaries which shall hereafter be legal 
and conclusive on all parties, and report hereafter. It will meet the 
views of your committee, as to what the public good may require." 

They established accurate and permanent boundaries for nearly all 
the accepted streets of the town, and the results of their labors remain 
to this day. When we see our surveyors digging up the corners of the 
older streets, we may be sure they are searching for the monuments of 
1830. "Cut," their report says, "of granite, with tops squared and a cross 
cut or drilled hole marking precisely the line of intersection of the streets 
described." 



NEW BEDFORD 359 

Forty feet was considered the most desirable width for the streets of 
the town. A singular exception was North street, which in 17S7 was 
accepted forty-eight (48) feet wide. It was too Hberal in width, however, 
and in 1823 east of Ray street was reduced to the common measurement. 
We wish that the fathers could have allowed us a few more feet of 
sidewalk for trunks of our splendid elms, a few more feet of roadway for 
their spreading branches, and a few more feet for sunlight and a broader 
view. But utility was the watchword of that laborious, accumulating 
time. 

It was many years before the prejudice against any change could 
be overcome, and the desirability of wider thoroughfares acknowledged 
by the citizens and their officials. The friction caused by the widening 
of Pleasant and Purchase streets is still fresh in our memories. The rec- 
ords of town meetings and meetings of successive boards of aldermen 
and city councils, and the board of public works, teem with the minutes 
of discussions on the widening of our public streets. 

In 1764 Joseph Russell made his plan, sold his lots, bounded on 
streets of his own plotting, and when they were built upon to the extent 
that his patrons demanded the service the town alone could render re- 
quested their acceptance. His friendly rivals at the north followed his 
thrifty example. The landowner of to-day goes one step further and 
erects his building in the line of future streets, feeling certain that he wdl 
be paid liberally for the damage he has caused the patient public, the 
city becomes an accessory after the act. 

"The majority of our early settlers were a people that cared little for 
outward and visible signs." To perpetuate their family names by names 
of streets did not appeal to the early owners of the land. They cared 
little for such memorials. Joseph Russell might have named his "open 
way" after himself, but like a good and loyal subject he named it King 
street. The spirit that led New York citizens to pull down the statue of 
George III. and prompted good wives in the South to turn his portrait 
to the wall, led our people to change the names of streets from King to 
Main : from Queen to School. The name "Main" suited the people better, 
after the English soldiery had burned ships, warehouses and homes. Not 
the entire length was so called, for the splendid view from that portion 
east of Water street, gave it the name of Prospect street ( 1818). Thir- 
teen colonies — rivals of one another, envious of one another, jealous of 
one another, instinctively hostile, in the presence of a common peril laid 
aside their jealousies and animosities, and formed a union of states^ 
united by a triple bond, commercial, judicial and political. All of this 
history is commemorated in the name Union street. 

With a wealth of local and colonial names at his command, Joseph 
Russell, with the plain simplicity of his time, gave numerals to his eight 
cross streets. He called the street which ran beside the river "the First 
street." When in 1769 it was accepted by the town, its name was changed 
to Water street. His "the Second street" is the First street on later maps, 
and the others were renamed as they now appear. 

Some local condition or circumstance supplied a name in those early 
times. The copious springs near its eastern end furnished the name 
Spring street, and a walnut grove doubtless gave the name to \\ alnut 
street. There were flowing springs south of School on Sixth street. 
There was such a generous supply of water that an aqueduct association 



36o NEW BEDFORD 

was incorporated to carry it to the river, for local purposes, and for the 
supply of vessels. The company was dissolved before much actual work 
was done, but for a long time that part of Sixth street was called Foun- 
tain street. 

It may be interesting to note the growth of the town through the 
development of a single street. Third street, called by Joseph Russell 
(1764) "the Fourth street from the river," in 1796, ran from Main to 
Spring street; the following year it reached the "New street," now Wal- 
nut street. There was an obstruction in its path near Russell street, for 
William Rotch's rope walk barred the way. The difficulty was overcome 
according to the records of 1807 by a "proper arch made over the walk, 
for the rope-makers work." The street was then accepted as far as South 
street, this portion being named Long Gate street. The town had 
grown so rapidly in the eleven years that a thoroughfare forty feet wide 
had been accepted, extending from Union to South street, 'it has had 
various names in its history. It has been called "the Fourth street," 
Third street, Long Gate street, South Third street and now Acushnet 
avenue. 

North of Union this thoroughfare has been called by several names. 
From Kempton to Willis it bore the name of Rea, from Uriel Rea, one 
of the landowners of the time ; thence Race, R-a-y, later North Third, and 
now Acushnet avenue. 

Middle street is one of the oldest thoroughfares, dating back to 1788. 
Ephriham, son of William, not to be confounded with six other succes- 
sive Ephrihams in the Kempton line, laid out this street through the 
middle of his farm, from whence it is believed to have taken its name. 
Its lower portion was once called Bridge street. 

One of the Kempton name set up a grist mill on his farm (three hun- 
dred feet) east of the County road on Wind Mill Hill. The name of the 
street helps us to recall the ancient mill. 

It is an axiom of history that names stick to the soil. The names 
of many of the original owners of the farms we see to-day, i. e., Allen, 
Russell, Kempton, \\'illis. 

Benjamin Allen in driving to his farm house through his lane, tra- 
versed the Allen street of to-day. It is unfortunate that'the land east of 
County street was so conveyed that Allen street could not continue in a 
straight course to the river and bear one name, and so change the names 
of Wing and Howland streets, and give these family names a more reten- 
tious thoroughfare. 

There were several attempts at naming Russell street. The Russell 
street of to-day was first called Hallifax, from a little group of houses 
that bore that name. Gilbert Russell in releasing a portion of his land 
requested of the town authorities that the name be changed from Hallifax 
to the family name. 

Near the close of the century, when the simplicity of names was dis- 
appearing, we find family names rather than numerals. Cornelius Grin- 
nell, one of nature's noblemen, gave his name to Grinnell street ; James 
Henry Howland, Alexander Campbell, Patrick Maxfield and other men 
prominent in our history have their names perpetuated in our records and 
in our streets. The homestead of Zacharia Hillman was on the corner of 
Second and the street which bears his name. The name Hillman recalls 
the fine clipper ships that established the fame of New Bedford ship- 
yards. 



NEW BEDFORD 361 

There have been two Morgan streets, one on either side of the Mor- 
gan lot. The one at south was first named Jail, then Morgan, now Court 
street. Later Charles W. Morgan laid out the street at the north. 

The old homestead of Gilbert Russell standing at the head of Wal- 
nut street, had a fine orchard at the rear, a portion of which was sacri- 
ficed for Orchard street. 

When the icy blasts swept down the river and across the unprotected 
town. North Second street bore the name of Cold street. Later it was 
called North Water street. 

It was customary for the owners of the land to give sections for the 
streets, satisfied with the prosperity following their development. The 
opening of one of our principal business thoroughfares was a notable 
exception. Here the town authorities were forced to purchase land, so 
named the way Purchase street. 

Marsh Lane has given up its geographical name and is now called 
Pine street. Its neighbor, Leonard street, recalls the location of the oil 
refinery of Samuel Leonard, who in the height of his business career was 
said to be the greatest oil manufacturer in the world. 

The historical value of a Christian name is doubtful. Comparatively 
few of our citizens know that William street was named for William 
Rotch ; or that Charles street was named for Charles Russell. The lower 
portion of the latter street was called High, and when it was thought 
wise for the street to bear one name, the Christian name was discarded 
and its descriptive one retained. 

Ezra Francis, one of the best masons of his time, was given the privi- 
lege by some town authorities of naming four streets. He was in all 
probability a lover of trees, for the names selected by him were Chest- 
nut, Cypress, Spruce and Cedar. In the early deeds. Cypress is referred 
to as contemplated Apple street. Both tree names were subsequently 
set aside and it now bears the name of Cottage street. Warren Ladd, 
for many years the railroad's local representative, named Merrimac street 
for the Merrimac river, near which he lived as a boy. Linden street was 
formerly called Jackson. State was Cushing street. Griffin, formerly 
Butler street, was named for Griffin Barney, who owned a rope-walk on 
the south side of the street. Coffin street was named for David Coffin, 
who built the brick house on the corner of Walnut and Sixth streets. 
Clinton was first named Granite street. William street, as previously 
stated, was named for William Rotch, but was formerly called Market 
street. 

Daniel Ricketson says of William Rotch, one of our most illus- 
trious citizens: "He was frank, generous, high-minded in its truest 
sense, a more perfect character it has never fallen to our lot to know. He 
was one of the great business men of his time." After the Revolution he 
met the representatives of England and France, in an attempt to alter the 
excessive duties on whale oil, existing at that time. William Pitt de- 
clined to reduce the tariflf that crippled his business. The French gov- 
ernment, however, favorably considered his overtures, and he estab- 
lished a branch of New Bedford's whaling industry in Dunkirk, France. 
He returned to New Bedford in 1795. It is a significant that three prom- 
inent streets. North Second, Purchase and William, were accepted the 
year of his return. 

An unusual feature was connected with the laying out of William 
street. From Second to Acushnet avenue it was eighty feet in width. 



362 



NEW BEDFORD 



the central square being planned for a great market place. By the aban- 
donment of the project, a great opportunity was lost for a hundred years, 
as it would have illustrated the value of Jaroad streets and open spaces. 
When the street was narrowed to its later limit, forty feet, the town re- 
leased the land on either side to William Rotch. He gave in exchange 
the lot on Purchase street, "between the two Congregational meeting 
houses." until recently occupied by the central engine house. 

The following were the streets accepted by the town of New Bed- 
ford before 1847: 



Acushnet Avenue — Union to Spring. 
I7q6, "Third street;" Kempton to 
Willis. 1798. Rea street; Bush to 
South. 1804. "Long Gate street;" 
Willis to Pearl. iS.-^S, Race and Ray. 

Allen Street — County to Dartmouth. 
1819: it crossed the Allen farm, 

Arnold Street — Opened 1821, James 
Arnold. 

Bedford Street — County to Acushnet 
avenue. 183,3; to Ash street. 1842, 

Belville Road — Wharf to Main street, 
1846. 

Brock Avenue — An Indian Trail, laid 
out in 1717 as Clark's Neck road; 
north end changed. 18,32 and 1792. 

Bush Street— Water to Fourth streets, 
1807; Seventh to County streets, 1835; 
Sixth to Seventh streets, 1841; 
Fourth to Si.xth streets, 1842; re- 
named Madison street. 

Campbell Street — Purchase to Pleas- 
ant street, 1838; to State street, 1844. 
Alexander Campbell owned land on 
this street. He married a daughter 
of Charles Russell. 

Cannon Street — Second street to 
Acushnet avenue, 1837; to Water 
street, 184.S. Henry Cannon lived at 
corner of South Second street. 

Cedar Street — Kempton to North 
street. 1846. 

Center Street — Front to Water street, 
18,38. Was on the line between land 
of Joseph Russell and Joseph Rotch. 

Charles Street— Renamed High street. 

Cheapside — Incorporated into Pleasant 
street. 

Coflin Street — Second to Water street, 
1844. David Coffin had an oil fac- 
tory thereon. 

County Street — An ancient Indian 
Trail. Laid out 1717 and 1800, and 
laid out as County street, 18,30. 

Court Street — County to Cedar street, 
1828. Court House built in 1828. 
Jail and Morgan streets. 

Cove Road — County to Crapo street, 
1800. 

Cove Street — County street to Middle 
Point road, 1832. 



Dartmouth Street — Allen street, ,366 
feet, to Brook, 1819; "The New Road 
to Dartmouth." 

Eighth Street — William to Spring 
street, 1835; to Elm street, 1842. 

Elm Street — Water to Second street, 
1801; to Purchase street, 1819; to 
Pleasant street, 1808: to County 
street, 1831; west from County 
street, 1843. 

Fifth Street — LTnion to Spring street, 
1801; to School street, 1824; Walnut 
to Russell street, 1829; School to Wal- 
nut street, 1831. 

First Street — Union to Spring street, 
1796; to School street, 18.39; to Wal- 
nut street, 1844; Walnut to Madison 
street. 1831 ; to Coffin street, 1844; 
Grinnell to South street, 1839. 

Foster Street — Middle to North street, 
18.37; to Hillman street, 1843; Hill- 
man to Maxfield street, 1837. The 
wife of Patrick Foster was a Kemp- 
ton. and owned land on this street. 

Fourth Street — Union to Spring street, 
1801; to Madison street, 1807; to Rus- 
sell street, 1829; to Bedford street, 
1842. 

Front street — Named Orange street, at 
first. 

Griffin Street — Water street to .\cush- 
net avenue. 1834. Griffin Barney 
lived on south side, and was con- 
cerned in the Rope Walk between 
Howland and Griflfin streets. 

Grinnell Street — Acushnet avenue to 
Water street. 1838: to County street, 
1844. Captain Cornelius Grinnell 
owned land thereon. 

Hawthorn Street — County to Cottage 
street, 1845. 

High Street — Purchase to Second 
street, 1801; to River street, 1802; 
west of Purchase, as Charles street, 
1821. 

Hill Street — Kempton to North street, 
1840; to Hillman street, 1844. Cap- 
tain Benjamin Hill married one of 
the Kemptons who owned this land. 

Hillman Street — Purchase to Water 
street, 1808; to Summer street, 1835. 



NEW BEDFORD 



363 



Zachnriah Hillman lived at the cor- 
ner of North Second street. 

Howard Avenue — Belleville road to 
River. 1804. 

Kempton Street — County to Noel Ta- 
ber road, now Rockdale avenue. 1769: 
called "New Road to Smith's Mills;" 
to Foster street, 1835; to Purchase 
street, 1836; to Second street, 1842. 
It crossed the Kempton Homestead. 

Linden Street — Purchase to County 
street, 1818; Jackson and Hill streets. 

Madison Street — Fourth to Water 
street, 1807; Seventh to County 
street, 18,35; Sixth to Seventh street, 
1841; to Sixth street, 1842. 

Market Street — Pleasant to Sixth 
street, 1839. 

Maxfield Street — Acushnet avenue to 
River, 1797; to Purchase street, 1808. 
Zadock Maxfield owned land on cor- 
ner of Second street. 

Mechanics Lane — Private way. Ac- 
cepted Pleasant to Purchase street, 
1906. 

Middle Street — Water to Second street, 
1788; Second to County street, 1798; 
to Summer street, 1837. Was on 
centre line of land of Manasseh 
Kempton at that date. 

Mill Street — Purchase to Foster street, 
1806; to Hill street. 1835- The 
Kemptons had a mill east of County 
street, and north side thereof. 

Morgan's Lane — Where the William 
Rotch Rope Walk stood. Morgan's 
Row. Row of houses owned by 
Charles W. Morgan. 

Mount Pleasant — Perry's Neck road. 

North Street — County street to River, 
1787. At that date northernmost 
street. 

North Second Street — Union to Middle 
street, 1795; Middle to Kempton 
street, 1794: Kempton to North 
street, 1794; North to Maxfield street, 
1797. North Water street. Cold 
street. 

North Sixth Street— Elm to Middle 
street, 1833; L'nion to William street, 
1836; to Elm street, 1837. 

North Water Street — LInion to Wil- 
liam street, 1769; to Middle street, 
1788; Middle to North street, 1840; to 
Hillman street, 1846. 

Orchard Street — Union to Court street, 
1842; Bedford to Hawthorn, 1843. 
West of the orchard of Gilbert Rus- 
sell, later William R. Rotch. 

Pearl Street — Purchase street to 
Acushnet avenue, 1840. 

Pleasant Street — High to North street, 
1806; to Willis street, 1836; to Max- 



field street, 1838; to Pearl street, 

1845- 
Purchase Street — Union to Maxfield 

street, 1795; to Weld street, 1802. 

Part of the location was purchased 

by the town. 
Rockdale Avenue — Kempton street to 

line of Smith street, 1769; Noel Taber 

road. He lived near head of Parker 

street. It led to the Stone Quarry on 

the Hathaway road. 
Rodman Street — Water to Front street, 

1841. Samuel Rodman, Sr., owned 

land on both sides. 
Rose Alley — Opened 1702. The Rose 

Garden of Benjamin Talier. 
Russell Street — County to Sixth street, 

1821 : as Halifax to Acushnet avenue, 

1833. 

School Street — Water to Avenue; as 
Queen street, before the Revolution 
Named School, 1801 ; Sixth to Acush- 
net avenue, 1808. Penney Wing's 
School was on north side between 
Fifth and Sixth streets. 

Sear's Cut — Private way. Willard 
Sear's tannery at side. 

Seventh Street — Union to Walnut 
street, 1807; to Madison street, 1838. 

Smith Street — County street, westward, 
1842. 

South Street — County street to the 
Avenue, 1804; to Front street, 1846. 
Southernmost street at that date. 

South Second Street — Union to School 
street, 1801; Walnut to Cannon 
street, 1803; Grinnell to South street, 
1845. 

South Sixth Street — Union to Spring 
street, 1801 ; to Walnut street, 1806; 
to Bedford street, 1818; to Wing 
street, 1835. 

South Water Street — Union to Madi- 
son street, 1769; to Griffin street, 
1834; to Cove street, 1839. 

Spring Street — Second street to Sixth, 
1801 ; County to Sixth, 1824. 

State Street — Campbell to Willis street, 
1844; Cushing street. 

Summer Street — Elm to Middle street, 
1S46: to Kempton street, from Mid- 
dle. 1837. 

Thomas Street — Hillman to Maxfield 
street, 1841. Thomas Kempton 
owned land there. 

Union Street— County to River, 1769; 
to Orchard street, 1842; east of 
Water street. Prospect, King. Main 
and Union streets. Before Revolu- 
tion King. 

Walden Street — Hillman to Maxfield, 
1834. John Walden lived corner of 
Hillman. 



364 



NEW BEDFORD 



Walnut Street — County to Water 
street, 1796. 

Washington Street — County to Dart- 
mouth street, 1846. 

WilHam Street — Water to Purchase 
street, 1795; to County street, 1830. 
First named Market street, named in 
1830 for William Rotch. 



Willis Street — Purchase street to the 
Avenue, 1803; to County street, 1812. 
It crossed the farm of Colonel Sam- 
uel Willis. 

Wing Street — County street to Acush- 
net avenue, 1821. It crossed the land 

of Edward Wing. 





II, P |L\ UTAh il Til HiSTi iKIi-Al, J U'l],! il.NXJ 



CHAPTER XLV. 
Historians and Artists of the Past. 

The first published history of New Bedford was written by Daniel 
Ricketson, who died some years ago at the age of eighty-five. 

Daniel Ricketson was the son of Joseph Ricketson. He was born 
in the old Ricketson homestead at the southwest corner of Acushnet 
avenue and Union street, July 30, 1813. He fitted for college at Friends' 
Academy in New Bedford, but did not enter, taking up the study of law, 
soon after the completion of his course at the academy, with Charles 
Francis Warren. In due course of time he was admitted to the Bris- 
tol county bar. He remained in the active practice of his profession 
but a few years. That sympathy for the oppressed which was a 
prominent trait of his character, prompted him to undertake the cases 
of a class in whom there was more thankfulness than profit, and after 
conducting the trial of several causes in which he was finally called 
upon to pay the costs of court himself, Mr. Ricketson retired from the 
practice of law to follow more congenial pursuits. At about this time 
the death of his father left him with a competence, enabling him to 
foster the love of study and the love of nature, which were inherent 
qualities. 

His fondness for nature and rural quiet led him to remove some 
distance from the city proper to an estate on Acushnet avenue, which 
he named "Woodlee." Subsequently he removed to the old house at 109 
Elm street, where he died. His residence at this place, however, was but 
a few years at this time, for not long afterward he took up his residence 
at Brooklawn, the estate which comprises a large part of Brooklawn 
Park, and from which the park gains its name. Here for many years 
he made his home, mingling his study of nature with the study of 
books. He recognized the natural advantages of the location, and to his 
taste and knowledge of landscape gardening is due much of the beauty 
of the park to-day. It was singularly appropriate that during Mr. 
Ricketson's residence at Brooklawn, since become the most beautiful of 
the city parks, the first history of New Bedford should have been pre- 
pared for publication. This was in 1858. He wrote in the preface 
of this history : 

Twenty-seven years ago (1831), when a youth of seventeen years, 
I conceived the idea of writing a history of my native place in the form 
of a lecture for our then small and newly organized Lyceum. I entered 
upon my task with the ardor of youth, diligently searching every book 
and record that I could obtain for this portion of my work. I then betook 
myself to the oldest inhabitants, a large number of those from its 



366 NEW BEDFORD 

earliest history as a village being still alive. From these interesting and 
intelligent old people, some of whom had reached their 90th year, I 
obtained a good store of reminiscences. These, with what I gathered 
from the records of the old township of Dartmouth (which township it 
will be seen originally included New Bedford. Fairhaven, Westport, and 
the present township of Dartmouth), and such books as contained any 
mention of our place, with a succinct account of the voyage of Bartholo- 
mew Gosnold to these shores in 1602, I compiled and delivered before the 
said Lyceum on Tuesday evening, March 6th, 1S31. * * * * Such is 
the brief history of the origin of my undertaking; and now, at a time of 
life when it may be reasonably concluded that most of the effervescence 
of youth has passed off, with subdued feelings and moderate expectations 
of success, but with a heart none the less warm from the lapse of time 
in its interest for the spot of my birth, I again enter upon the task, 
with a sense of pleasurable duty of putting together what information 
I have from varied sources been able to collect, gathering up the 
fragments lest nothing be lost, so that those who come after us may have 
a nucleus round which to form a more full and complete history, when 
our youthful city shall take its place, as it is evidently destined at no 
very distant day to do. if it has not already, among the chief cities of 
this country. * * * The first number of my historical sketches appeared 
in the New Bedford "Daily Mercury" on Saturday, September 27, 1856. 
This was followed by others on the succeeding Saturdays, which with 
some alteration and considerable addition, comprises this volume. 

It was at Brooklawn, also, that "The Autumn Sheaf," a collection 
of miscellaneous poems, was prepared for publication in 1869. The 
author's dedication of the collection indicates the spirit in which it was 
prepared and it is as well an echo of the whole tone of his life : 

Who delights in quiet paths to straj- 
To whom the Muses lend their kindly aid 
Who shuns the glare of ostentatious sway. 
Within whose court a worship base is paid ; 
Whose soul by Nature's gentler voice is stayed : 
To these my Muse would dedicate strains, 
Unmarked by classic lore or guileful art, 
The simple music of the hills and plains. — 
And thus give pleasure to some kindred heart. 
That seeks to draw from life its better part. 

"The Autumn Sheaf" is full of interest to the lover of this locality. 
Much of Mr. Ricketson's study and writing, at this period of his life, 
was conducted in the little vine covered building which may now be 
seen by the house at Brooklawn Park, and which was fondly called by 
him "The Shanty." Here he passed many pleasant hours with his 
literary friends, among them Thoreau, Emerson and George William 
Curtis. Of "The Shanty" he wrote : 

In this little calm retreat 

How much peace and joy I find; 
Solitude may thus be sweet. 

If it does not cramp the mind. 



NEW BEDFORD 367 

But give knowledge to impart 

Unto others favored less, 
Truths that sanctify the heart 

Wisdom that our God will bless. 

All his life long, Mr. Ricketson was promirtent in philanthropic 
works. He was one of the early abolitionists, aiding the cause by voice 
and pen. To the abolition papers of the period, "The Anti-Slavery 
Standard" and "The Liberator," he was a frequent contributer. He also 
took a deep interest in the labor question, his sympathy being given 
to the side of the workman. He was a man of retired tastes, avoiding 
notoriety. Whatever was done by him to assist the causes in which he 
was interested was done through a sense of duty and sterling con- 
scientiousness. 

Without being a prominent literary man himself, Mr. Ricketson 
was intimately acquainted with and accorded the respect of some of the 
leading literary characters of the age in which he was most active, in- 
cluding William Lloyd Garrison, Ralph Waldo Emerson, A. Bronson 
Alcott, Henry D. Thoreau, Charles Sumner and George William Curtis. 
Whenever Curtis lectured in New Bedford he was a guest of Daniel 
Ricketson's home and at other times he was a constant correspondent. 
Many of the sketches purporting to describe the doings of "The 
Sassafras Club," which Curtis wrote for The Easy Chair in "Harper's," 
were inspired by his visits to Brooklawn. For many years Mr. Ricket- 
son carried on a correspondence with William and Mary Hewitt, the 
English authors. Cowper was Mr. Ricketson's favorite poet, and in his 
librarv he possessed nearly every edition of Cowper's works. 

The papers in "Harper's" describing the Sassafras Club appeared at 
intervals from January, 1863, to December, 1869. Mr. Ricketson was 
designated the "Member for Woods and Forests," or sometimes "Brother 
Woodchuck," from his fondness for burrowing in his shanty on the 
slightest provocation. Mr. Curtis's opening description of Mr. Ricketson 
is as follows : 

He is as shy as a partridge, and not only lives somewhat a recluse 
from men, but actually hides himself under a broad brimmed slouched 
hat and within the charitable folds of a huge old-fashioned camlet cloak, 
even when you are walking or talking with him. His avoidance of soci- 
ety is instinctive as a musician avoids discords, and he has a humorous 
twinkling sarcasm in his treatment of those who seem to him sophisti- 
cated or enslaved by society. A black hat or a dress coat affect him like 
the most ludicrous jests, and the habit of stuffing good honest English 
talk with French phrases excites his utmost contempt. He declares that 
he should as soon think of larding a beef tongue with the fat of frogs. 
Moreover, he is very fond of insisting that civilization has half ruined us. 

In this connection Curtis quotes his friend as saying: "I believe 
that in society peoole put on their best clothes to come together and see 



368 NEW BEDFORD 

each other eat. I presume from what I know of society that they do so. 
I should be very much surprised if they did not." 

The originator of the Sassafras Club, continuing, describes the 
shanty, on the walls of which were to be found extracts from the writ- 
ings and pictures of Mr. Ricketson's literary favorites, Milton, John 
Woolman, Dr. Johnson, the Howitts (with whom he corresponded), John 
Brown, Plutarch, George Fox, and Cowper. "Perhaps of all names in 
English literature none is so dear to him from a sympathy of nature as 
Cowper," says the "Easy Chair." "Like the melancholy poet, he seems 
to touch life with bare nerves and to be incapable of enduring great ex- 
citements." 

Here is Curtis's graceful language in praise of some of Mr. Ricket- 
son's poems : "A pensive rural music flows from his pen which is en- 
tirely genuine and simple, and should count him, if he made it known, 
among what he likes to call the minor poets. There is a heartiness and 
rural homeliness in these lines which are no less remarkable than de- 
lightful in this day of highly colored verse." And in December, 1869, 
the "Easy Chair" devoted two entire pages to a review of "The Autumn 
Sheaf," which was pronounced "a book of the utmost sincerity, full of 
woodland musings ; a strain that Cowper would have loved." 

Mr. Ricketson's account of his acquaintance with Wendell Phillips 
is interesting. He says: 

My first knowledge of Wendell Phillips was during the fall and 
winter of 1831, as a fellow boarder in Cambridge. He had graduated 
that year at Harvard, and was a student in the law school. It was not, 
however, until the full inauguration of the abolition movement, some 10 
or 12 years later, that I formed his acquaintance, and I may add, friend- 
ship. My first appearance in an abolition convention was at our city hall, 
when I attempted the defense of our clergy against the censures of the 
speakers, and was answered by Garrison in terms of severe rebuke. I 
soon found, however, that we could not look to the so-called church for 
sympathy, and enlisted fully in the ranks of the Garrisonian phalanx. 
Phillips was a real Bostonian and had the spirit of the revolution in a large 
degree. At one of our abolition conventions he made one of his most 
inflammatory speeches against the slave holders in his zeal for the free- 
dom of the slave. Feeling that the sentiments that Phillips had so 
strongly expressed were of that revolutionary character which other 
abolitionists as well as myself could not endorse, I took the platform and 
gave my protest in a short speech as a friend of peace. On taking my 
seat again I was greeted with the hearty approval of one of those pres- 
ent, Mrs. Maria Weston Chapman, who thanked me for my timely words. 
But Phillips's speeches will go down to posterity as among the noblest 
utterances of his age in the cause of human rights. 

Henry D Thoreau's "Walden" appeared in 1854. During the sum- 
mer of that year a copy fell into the hands of Mr. Ricketson, who had 
never heard of the author, but who, deeply interested in his observations 



NEW BEDFORD 369 

on plants, birds and natural objects, felt that he had found a congenial 
spirit. From his shanty he addressed a letter to Thoreau, and the latter 
wrote an appreciative reply. From that year until Thoreau's death in 
1862, the two exchanged visits annually, and letters more frequently. 
Thoreau became greatly interested in the botany of the New Bedford 
region, finding there many new marine plants. 

It was forty-four years ago this coming Christmas Day that Mr. 
Ricketson first met Thoreau. The latter was to lecture at Nantucket 
and stopped on his way to visit Brooklawn. Mr. Ricketson thus describes 
his visit : 

I had expected him at noon, but as he did not arrive I had given him 
up for the day. In the latter part of the afternoon I was clearing off the 
snow from my front steps, when looking up, I saw a man walking up 
the carriage road, bearing a portmanteau in one hand and an umbrella in 
the other. He was dressed in a long overcoat of dark cloth and wore a 
dark soft hat. I had no suspicion it was Thoreau, and I rather supposed 
it was a peddler of small wares. As Thoreau came near me he stopped 
and said, 'You do not know me.' It flashed at once in my mind that the 
person before me was my correspondent, whom in my imagination I had 
figured as stout and robust, instead of the small and rather inferior look- 
ing man before me. I concealed my disappointment and at once replied, 
'I presume this is Mr. Thoreau.' My disappointment at his personal 
appearance passed off on hearing his conversation at the table and dur- 
ing the evening ; and rarely through the years of my acquaintance with 
him did his presence conflict with his noble powers of mind, his rich con- 
versation and broad erudition. 

Speaking of Thoreau's appearance then, at the age of thirty-seven, 
Mr. Ricketson said: 

The most expressive feature of his face was his eye, blue in color 
and full of the greatest humanity and intelligence. His head was of 
medium size, the same as that of Emerson, and he wore a No. 7 hat. His 
arms were rather long, his legs short, and his hands and feet rather large. 
His sloping shoulders were a mark of observation. But when in usual 
health he was strong and vigorous, a remarkable pedestrian, tiring out 
nearly all his companions in his prolonged tramps through woods and 
marshes, when in pursuit of some rare plant. In Thoreau, as in other 
heroic men, it was the spirit more than the temple in which it dwelt, that 
made the man. 

Some have accused Thoreau of being an imitator of Emerson, others 
as unsocial, impracticable, and ascetic. Now he was none of these. _ A 
more original man never lived, nor one more thoroughly a personification 
of civilitv. Having been an occasional guest at his house, I can assert 
ihat no man could hold a finer relationship with his family than he. 

In his letters and conversation, Thoreau frequently expressed his 
great pleasure over his visits to Mr. Ricketson's. And well he might, for 



370 NEW BEDFORD 

enough is learned to show that they must have been extremely social 
occasions. One afternoon both Thoreau and A. Bronson Alcott were 
present. "While my wife was playing an air upon the piano," wrote Mr. 
Ricketson, "Thoreau became very hilarious, sang 'Tom Bowline,' and 
finally entered upon an improvised dance. Not being able to stand what 
appeared to me at the time the somewhat ludicrous appearance of our 
Walden hermit, I retreated to my shanty ; while my older and more 
humor-loving friend, Alcott, remained and saw it through, much to his 
amusement. It left a pleasant memory which I recorded in some humble 
lines that afterwards appeared in my 'Autumn Sheaf." Thoreau is not 
popularly supposed to have been affected to such unwonted gayety, but 
he certainly must have been full of fun at the time, for he did not scruple 
to tread on Friend Alcott's toes during the dance. 

August 21, 1861, Thoreau was induced by Mr. Ricketson to sit for 
his picture to Dunshee, a New Bedford artist. The ambrotype then 
taken, presenting him in profile, with a full beard, was one of the only 
four ever made of Thoreau. Mr. Ricketson's son Walton, a sculptor, 
afterwards used it in modelling his life-sized bas-relief medallion head 
of the Walden recluse. 

Thoreau said of Ricketson: "He is the frankest man I know. He 
told me he sometimes thought he had all the infirmities of genius with- 
out the genius. He is wretched without a hair pillow." This latter idea 
greatly tickled Thoreau's fancy, and he constantly made playful allusions 
to it in his letters to Ricketson. "He loves Cowper's 'Task' better than 
anything else," also wrote Thoreau, "and thereafter, perhaps, Thompson, 
Gray, and even Howitt." 

Once, in 1855, when Mr. Ricketson urged his friend to visit New 
Bedford. Thoreau wrote, "He says I can wear my old clothes there." Of 
the history of New Bedford the verdict was, "I like the homeliness of it ; 
the good old-fashioned way of writing." The last letter written by 
Thoreau's own hand was to Mr. Ricketson on October 14, 1861. There 
has never been an extended life of Thoreau published in this country or 
in England, but what Mr. Ricketson has been invited to contribute, and 
he always cheerfully furnished copies of Thoreau's interesting letters 
for publication. Thoreau was probably his nearest and dearest literary 
friend. 

His sympathy for local benevolent organizations was widespread. 
Among other interests he was one of the founders and the first secretary 
of the New Bedford Benevolent Society, which later became the Union 
for Good Works. He was a birthright member of the Society of Friends, 
and his writings bear tribute to his lifelong fealty to his early religious 
training. 

He was twice married. Pfis first wife was Maria Louisa Sampson, 
to whom he was married January 27, 1834. She died May 14. 1S77. On 



NEW BEDFORD 371 

November 10, 1880, he was married to Angeline S. Gidley. Dr. Arthur 
Ricketson, his elder son, died several years ago. Walton Ricketson, 
the sculptor, and Anna Ricketson, are the surviving children. His 
daughter, Emma L., who was the wife of George P. Currier, died. 

In a poem written, i860, Mr. Ricketson expressed a wish which was 
fulfilled: 

O when the last sad hour shall come. 

Which must come unto all 

Within my own beloved home, 

May its stern bidding fall. 

For who would perish far away 

Upon some foreign strand 
Where no kind friend shall lingering stay 

To take his farewell hand 

Leonard B. Ellis, who wrote a history of New Bedford, published 
twenty years ago, was the son of Caleb L. and Abbie D. (Hathaway) 
Ellis and was born in New Bedford, August 11, 1838. He was educated 
in the Bush street grammar school, and a three years' course in the 
high school under John F. Emerson. He entered the employ of his 
father, and in 1859 was admitted to partnership with him in the cooper- 
age business. The paralyzing influences of the Civil War naturally 
reduced the hitherto prosperous business of the firm, and the subject 
of this sketch sought other employment. He engaged in the manu- 
facture of art goods, employing a number of workmen, until in 1866, 
when he purchased the picture and frame establishment of Orlando J. 
Marvin, 76 William street, and for twenty-five years conducted the 
business at that place. In January, 1891, he moved to 114 William 
street. Mr. Ellis's store was a resort for artistic and literary people and 
he wrote the history of New Bedford as well as a history of the fire 
department in his leisure hours. 

He married, December 14, 1859, Patience E., daughter of Asa L. 
and Emeline Allen. They had two adopted daughters, Abbie Millie, 
and Nora Leonard, orphan children of his sister Abbie P. and Robert L. 
Crossman. 

There are local painters whose work has achieved wider fame than 
that of William A. Wall— Albert Bierstadt, R. Swain GiflFord and William 
Bradford, for example ; but none performed a greater service for New 
Bedford than Wall, for he devoted his artistic genius to illumin- 
ating the pages of local history, and it is through this tendency that 
there is preserved to us a group of paintings, accurate in detail and 
truthful in the portraits of the leading actors of an ancient day. Such 
pictures as the "Origin of the Whale Fishery," the view of the "Four 
Corners" in 1807, and the "Landing of Gosnold," are of great value, 
illustrating the earlier periods of our history 



372 NEW BEDFORD 

William Allen Wall was the eldest son of William Sawyer Wall, 
of Rock, Worcestershire, England, and his wife, Sarah Barney. He 
was born in this city in May, 1801, and died here in November 1885. In 
1823 he married Miss R. T. Russell, of Russell's Mills, Dartmouth. At 
about twenty-seven years of age he became desirous of adopting paint- 
ing as a profession, and for some time worked without a master, pre- 
paring his own canvases, and even making his own brushes. He studied 
one winter in New York, another in Philadelphia under M. Sully, and 
in 1833 he went to Europe for two years, during which time he studied 
in Paris, Rome, Florence and other Italian cities. 

Only a few people who are familiar with the famous painting of 
New Bedford in 1810 or its reproductions know that almost every figure 
in it is that of an historical personage of our early history. It was 
painted in 1857 and originally bore the title "New Bedford Fifty Years 
Ago." In a letter written to William Penn Howland in January, 1859, 
the artist has furnished a key to some of the portraits. Mr. Wall wrote: 

Opposite the store door on which may be seen the sign of Jahaziel 
Jenney, he is himself represented as conversing with Peter Barney, the 
next on the right, and near the stone post on the northwest corner, 
are two figures intended for Abraham Russell and Wm. Rotch, Jr. 
Still further to the right and opposite the barber's shop of Nathaniel 
Rogers are Samuel Rodman, Sr.. and Capt. Rowland Crocker. In front 
of them and near the northeast corner are two more figures, one of 
which was intended for my father, and the other leaning against the 
corner of the store, was intended for no one in particular. Still further 
in front and near the group of colored persons is Barnabas Taber, and in 
the chaise near the centre of the picture is Wm. Rotch, Sr. The female 
near we call Patty Hussey. The man by the side of the team may 
pass for Caleb Sherman. (Signed) Wm. A. Wall, 

To Wm. Penn Howland, Esq. 

The street was Main street, now Union, at the comer of Water. 
The man with the iron foot, in front of his merchandise store, is 
Jahaziel Jenney. Many stories are told to this day of Jahaziel's yankee 
cuteness. At one time he had on hand some spoiled butter which was 
unsaleable. He marked the kegs "J. O. T." and put it aside. When 
the customer saw it and asked for an interpretation of the letters, he 
declared they stood for "Jahaziel's Own Tooth." and he professed 
reluctance to sell it. whereat the customers insisted, and it was not long 
before the butter was disposed of. The barber shop on the west side 
of the street was that of Nathaniel Rogers, which was occupied as a West 
India goods store by Uriah Rea & Co., as early as 1785. The brick 
building which stands on the corner was built in 1819. The flag on the 
building was only raised on special occasions. This day it was to honor 
the exercise of the village fire department, which had the old "Indepen- 



NEW BEDFORD 373 

dence" out for practice. Captain Nathaniel Cole is bending over his 
meat bench. George Sisson's grocery was in the three-story building, 
erected in 1792, which still stands at the corner of Union and Bethel 
streets. The town pound is next west. The old mansion of William 
Rotch, Sr., now the Mansion House, was then a private residence, with 
spacious grounds and tall poplars in front. James Harper, in a descrip- 
tion of this building, says: "The brick ends of the Mansion House were 
built by two old masons named East and West, each of whom was 
familiary known as 'Daddy.' 'Daddy East' built the west end, and 
'Daddy West' built the east end." The "leathern convenience," in 
which Wm. Rotch, Sr., is seated, was the only private carriage in the 
town at that time. The chaise was imported from England. The boys 
in the five-wheeled cart are playmates of Mr. Wall, one of them George 
Howland, Jr. Mr. Wall is represented as the driver. One of the three 
negroes in the foreground was Paul CufTee, a minister prominent among 
his people. The man talking with the man who leans against the corner 
of the building is William Sawyer Wall, father of William A. Wall. 

Another painting of historic merit is "The Early Whale Fishery," 
in which Joseph Russell is supposed to be watching the unloading of a 
small vessel which has just returned from a successful cruise. A picture 
now in the Public Library of "Gosnold's Landing" is among the historic 
paintings from Mr. Wall's brush. He also painted a full-length portrait 
of Abraham H. Howland, the first mayor of the city, and made a copy of 
Stuart's portrait of Washington, both of which are hung in the municipal 
buildings. 

Among the portraits painted by Mr. Wall are those of Greenough, 
the sculptor ; N. P. Willis, Ephraim Peabody, and of George Howland 
and Thomas A. Green, as well as many other prominent New Bedford 
men, now in the collection in the public library. A painting illustrating 
Hawthorne's story of "Endicott and the Red Cross" is in the possession 
of Miss S. A. Howland. An illustration of a theme in Hawthorne's 
"Marble Faun" was in the collection of the late S. Grififits Morgan. Others 
are "A Head of Barnaby Rudge ;" "Goldsmith Reading the Retaliation," 
which belonged to James Arnold ; "The Death of Copernicus," now in 
the public library ; "Columbus and the Friar," which belonged to Joseph 
Grinnell, and "The White Lady of Avenel," owned by the late Thomas 
M Stetson. 

Benjamin Russell was a painter of the old whaling days. His work 
is familiar through series of whaling prints reproducing whaling scenes, 
much sought by collectors. Edmund Wood, a former president of the 
Old Dartmouth Historical Society, prepared the following sketch of 
Russell : 



374 NEW BEDFORD 

In 1830 we had in New Bedford two commercial houses which at the 
time overshadowed all others ; on the one hand were the Rotches carry- 
ing on both foreign commerce and whaling with long continued success, 
on the other hand were Seth and Charles Russell, who had recently in- 
creased the prestige of that family and were rich and powerful. Some of 
their foreign ventures in commerce were brilliant, they carried a large 
bank balance in London, they owned many merchant ships and whale- 
ships, and they had also acquired a large amount of real estate within the 
town. The two brothers were the sons of Seth Russell senior, who was 
grandson of Joseph Russell. 2nd., and the nephew of Joseph Russell. 3rd., 
and of Caleb Russell, ist. 

There was some rivalry between some of the older merchants and 
these two brothers, Seth and Charles Russell. The later were called pro- 
gressive, they took long chances and with uniform success. But soon 
there came reverses, then the tide seemed to turn against them and finally 
came the crash when the brothers failed, and much property and real 
estate in the city changed hands. 

Benjamin Russell, the artist, was the son of Seth, the older of these 
two merchants. He was brought up while the fortunes of the house 
were booming. He loved sketching, generally in black and white, most 
often in lead pencil, but later washed in with india ink and finished with 
a fine brush point and with a pen. He sketched much about the wharves 
and on the ships, and must have been an industrious draughtsman. It 
was here that he first gained his intimate knowledge of the sails and ropes 
and ships tackle. His drawings are noted for their exhibitions of an 
exact knowledge of the rigging of a ship. He knew the ropes. In this 
respect many of his pictures are more accurate than they are artistic. 
He has drawn finely pencilled lines of running rigging which never could 
have been seen by the naked eye from the point of view of the observer. 
Although he couldn't really see them at that distance he knew they were 
there and so he drew them in and ran them along where they should be. 

I have not been able to learn how much teaching he had in art. He 
certainly had considerable talent for drawing and some skill in composi- 
tion, but he had ability with color. 

Benjamin Russell was at one time in the ship chandlery business, 
but he does not seem to have been prominent as a business man. He 
was, I believe, at one time a director of the old Marine Bank. 

William Bradford, a renowned marine artist, was born at Fair- 
haven in 1823, and died there in 1892. Although he was a lineal descen- 
dent of the first Pilgrim governor of Plymouth, he was himself a Quaker. 
His wife was a daughter of that famous old Lynn Quaker, Nathan Breed. 

Bradford began by painting ships in Lynn harbor and on the 
coasts of Labrador and Nova Scotia. He afterwards made several Arctic 
expeditions with Dr. Hayes, the explorer, and others, to study icebergs 
and ice floes. Of the few artists who have visited the far north, especial 
mention is due William Bradford, a pioneer in the work. Recognition 
of him will be more common and pronounced as time goes on and the 
beauties of the north are opened up to the public, writes Russell W. 
Porter in the "New England Magazine" in an article "The Artist in 



NEW BEDFORD 375 

Greenland." Previous to the painter's visits to the frozen north, nothing 
had been done in this field except in an imaginative way. On his return 
his paintings received immediate recognition and were in great demand. 
He painted pictorially, but represented truthfully the savage grandeur 
of the scenes and the overpowering size of the bergs, entering fully 
into the feeling which an Arctic marinescape presents. In England his 
work created great interest. When he visited that country in 1871, 
he occupied a unique position, combining in himself, as he did, the artist, 
the explorer and strong, simple Quaker. He numbered among his 
friends such men as Tennyson and Tyndall, and such persons of Arctic 
fame and association as Nares, Rae, Dufferin and Lady Franklin. His 
paintings were in the private apartments of the Queen at Windsor, in the 
collections of Princess Louise, the Baroness Coutts and the Duke of 
Westminster, and in many places in Europe and Australia, as well as 
in his own country. 

Mr. Bradford spent his summers at Fairhaven, and had a studio at 
the foot of Union street, where he worked during the greater part of his 
time. He traveled much of the remainder of the year, although he main- 
tained a studio in New York. Bradford was the first to secure a London 
publisher for the famous African explorer, Henry M. Stanley. Bradford 
published a beautiful book containing large photographs of his paintings 
and of northern scener3% accompanied by text. It was sold by sub- 
scription, the list being headed by the Queen and the Duke of Argyle. 
Whittier recognized his friend's deep love of the north and his peculiar 
relation to it when he dedicated to him the beautiful poem, "Amy Went- 
worth." Bradford became a member of the American National Academy 
of Artists in 1874. Upon Bradford's grave at Riverside cemetery, Ox- 
ford, is a large granite boulder, obtained at Fairhaven, upon the smooth 
surface of which, with his name, are the lines from Whittier: "Some- 
thing it has — a flavor of the sea. And the sea's freedom — which reminds 
of thee." A Greenland boulder, procured by Peary, has also been placed 
upon the grave of the famous Arctic painter. 

Among Bradford's many paintings are the following: "Steamer 
'Panther' Among the Icebergs in Melville Bay, under the Light of the 
Midnight Sun," exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1875, afterward in 
Queen Victoria's library: "Fishing Boats in the Bay of Fundy ;" "Ship- 
wreck ofif Nantucket;" "Lighthouse in St. John's Harbor;" "Fishing 
Boats Getting Under Way;" "July Afternoon ofif Round Hill Light;" 
"Fishing Craft Among the Bergs;" "Fishing Craft at Sunset;" "Coast of 
Labrador;" "Quiet Afternoon in Straits of Belle Isle;" "Return of Labra- 
dor Fishing Boats." 

Albert Bierstadt, another artist who brought fame to New Bedford, 
was born in Elberfeldt, Germany, January 7, 1830, and was the son of 



3/6 NEW BEDFORD 

the late Henry Bierstadt. His father came to this port in the brig 
"Hope," which arrived from Rotterdam on February 22, 1832, bringing 
seventy-six immigrants. Bierstadt's three sons, Charles, Edward and 
Albert, and one daughter Helen, grew to manhood in this city, and here 
it was that they were educated. Charles and Edward first engaged in 
wood turning, and later gave their attention to photography. Albert for 
some time was employed in Shaw's frame factory on Purchase street, 
and as he had always displayed wonderful ability in drawing he was 
encouraged to develop the gifts which made him famous. He was frugal 
in his living. His one aim was to study in oils, and after quitting the 
bench at the frame factory, with the savings there accumulated and 
the earnings from giving lessons in water colors evenings, he took up 
the study of art in Boston. Some of his first attempts in monochro- 
matic painting while a lad in this city attracted attention, and the late 
Captain William G. Blackler manifested much interest in him. When 
Bierstadt went abroad soon after finishing his studies in Boston, it was 
Captain Blackler who advanced him the money, taking the young man's 
word only for security. Later, when he painted "Lake Lucerne" he 
presented to Captain Blackler that painting, which has since remained 
in Captain Blackler's family. Young Bierstadt had friends besides Cap- 
tain Blackler, who assisted him when he was struggling upward. Among 
them were Thomas Nye, Jr., Joseph Grinnell, Peter Cooper and William 
Cullen Bryant. There were also others to whom he was indebted for aid 
and encouragement. His "Sunlight and Shadow," painted while in 
Dusseldorf, attracted the attention of the leading artists of Europe, and 
many look upon this work as the one which gained for him the begin- 
ning of the fame which he later achieved. In his earlier days Bierstadt 
always remembered the city of his adoption, and his paintings before 
being sold were placed on exhibition here. Then he had a number of 
relatives in New Bedford, but to-day but one is a resident of this city. 
His brothers removed to New York soon after the close of the Civil War, 
and there the family has resided since. Probably no other American 
artist has ever secured so large prices for his pictures as Bierstadt. Sev- 
eral of his earlier paintings are owned in New Bedford. One of the finest 
examples of his later work is owned by the Free Public Library. 

He began to paint in oils in 185 1. He went to Dusseldorf in 1853, 
and studied four years there and in Rome. On his return to the United 
States in 1857 he made a sketching tour in the Rocky Mountains, and 
from this and other visits west gathered materials for his most important 
pictures. Again he visited Europe in 1867, 1878 and 1883. He was 
elected to the National Academy in i860. Bierstadt received medals in 
Austria, France, Germany, Bavaria, Russia, Turkey and Belgium, becom- 
ing a member of the Legion of Honor in 1867, of the Order of St. 



NEW BEDFORD 377 

Stanislaus, 1869. The Emperor of Germany sent his photograph with 
autograph to Bierstadt. 

Bierstadt was most famous for his landscape paintings, although he 
achieved fame through pictures of animals. He worked during the 
latter portion of his life on a series of paintings representing the wild 
animals of America. He had a studio in New York. His studio in 
Irvington, New York, was destroyed by fire in 1882 and many valuable 
paintings were lost. Among his other paintings are "Laramie Park," 
now in the Academy of Fine Arts, Buffalo; "Rocky Mountains;" 
"Lander's Peak;" "North Fork of the Platte;" "Looking Down the 
Yosemite;" "El Capitan ;" "Mercedes River," owned by L. Tuckerman, 
New York; "Storm in the Rocky Mountains;" "Mt. Rosalie," in the 
James Lennox collection; "Burning Ships," owned by August Belmont, 
New York; "Settlement of California," in the Capitol at Washington; 
"Emerald Pool, Mt. Whitney," formerly owned by Mrs. A. T. Stewart, 
New York; "In the Rocky Mountains;" "Great Trees of California;" 
"Valley of Kern River, California;" "Hermitage;" "St. Petersburg;" 
"Mt. Whitney, Sierra Nevada;" "Estes Park, Colorado," owned by the 
Earl of Dunraven ; "Mountain Lake;" "Mt. Corcoran, Sierra Nevada," in 
the Corcoran Gallery, Washington, D. C. ; "Geysers;" "Storm on Mat- 
terhorn;" "View on Kern River;" "Discovery of Hudson River," in the 
Capitol at Washington. He introduced what is known in this country as 
the Dusseldorf school of landscape painting. Works by him are now 
in the Capitol at Washington, in the Lennox collection and in the 
Corcoran Gallery at Washington. Bierstadt was a member of the 
National Academy of Designs and other societies. 

Of Bierstadt the following story is told: When he first gave his 
attention to monochromatic painting, one of his best works was placed 
on exhibition at the New Bedford reading room, where it was seen by 
the late William Hathaway, Jr., whose son was a pupil of Bierstadt. 
Mr. Hathaway was pleased with the picture, which represented the 
ruins of Carthage, finely executed like a steel engraving, and purchased 
it. This picture is valued not only for its artistic merit but for the 
reason that it was done before the artist worked in oils. Mrs. Hathaway 
often said that Bierstadt had a remarkable eye, and she predicted the 
development of uncommon artistic talent and future lame. While 
Bierstadt was studying in Germany, he desired to paint a picture for 
the late William Hathaway, Jr., which request was granted. The scene 
of the picture is near Dusseldorf, a characteristic German country land- 
scape, and considered among his best works A woman is crossing a 
rustic bridge with a bundle of leaves on her head with which to bed 
the cattle. A farm house with trees is seen in the middle distance, while 
in the background is a glimpse of the river Reno, and a castle which was 



3/8 NEW BEDFORD 

beseiged by Charles V. When the picture was sent to America, the 
artist wrote that if Mrs. Hathaway was not satisfied he would add 
more when he returned to this country. The picture was perfectly 
satisfactory to Mrs. Hathaway with one exception. She thought it 
needed more animal life. Upon Bierstadt's return he fulfilled his 
promise, calling at Mr. Hathaway's with his palette and brushes, and 
added two cows to the painting. Miss Mary B. Hathaway, a little girl, 
stood near by when the artist was at work, and was delighted when he 
referred to her, asking for a description of her cow as he painted it. 
After Bierstadt had finished, he turned to Mrs. Hathaway and said: 
"If you now consider there is not sufficient animal life I will paint a few 
trout running up the stream." 

Although a native of the town of Gosnold, having been born on 
Naushon, Robert Swain Gififord may be classed as one of the prominent 
artists to whom New Bedford lays claim. Much of his early life was 
spent here and in Fairhaven. He studied here under the Dutch painter 
Van Beest, and he married a New Bedford woman, Miss Francis Eliot. 
He spent his summers at Nonquit, where he had a studio. He died in 
1905. A widow and five daughters survived him. 

R. Swain Gififord was born on the island of Naushon, December 23, 
1840. The owner of the island at that time was Robert Swain, for whom 
Mr. Gififord was named. His father was a sailor and pilot who removed, 
when Gififord was about two years old, to Fairhaven. There the artist's 
boyhood was spent. His earliest inclination was toward the artistic — 
a bent which was fostered by his parents, and in which Mrs. Swain, the 
wife of the owner of Naushon, took a kindly interest. His first sketches 
and water color drawings were made at Fairhaven, and it was here that 
he made the start in his chosen career. His health prevented his joining 
his brothers in the hard work about the home and left him leisure time 
in which to follow his desire to paint. In 1864 Mr. Gift'ord began to 
study under Albert Van Beest, the Dutch marine and landscape artist. 
While their relations were those of pupil to master, Mr. Gifford was able 
to be of great assistance to Van Beest. The Dutch artist was unfamiliar 
with the rigging of American vessels, and GiiTord used frequently to 
supply this deficiency on the part of his teacher. It was while he was 
studying with Van Beest that Charles Taber conceived the idea of 
getting out the whaling prints which are now so much sought after by 
collectors. He went to Van Beest and Gififord and engaged them to 
make the drawings. Parts of the work were done by Gififord, part by 
Van Beest and a part by William Bradford, while Benjamin Russell fur- 
nished information as to the manner of approaching the whales. The 
three pictures which resulted — "The Chase," "The Conflict," "The Cap- 
ture." are far and away the most artistic of all the whaling prints. 



NEW BEDFORD 379 

Leaving Eairhaven, Mr. Gifford visited Boston, where for the first 
time he saw the works of noted men. These he studied most carefully, 
and as a result his own work showed decided improvement. He began 
also to receive some local recognition and was invited to the homes of 
the prominent families of the town, and there saw other paintings, which 
at the time seemed to him very fine. He must have been moderately 
successful, for he had now acquired sufficient means and confidence to 
establish himself in Boston. This was in 1864, and his real art life 
may be said to have begun at that time. When GiiTord went from 
Fairhaven, Hunt was the leading painter in Boston. He had recently 
returned from his studies abroad, and through his influence a number of 
paintings by the then little known Barbizon men had found their way 
into the galleries of Boston collectors. Through friends, Gifford had 
access to these masterpieces. " That he was greatly influenced by them 
there can be no doubt, but rather in the way of becoming conscious of 
new possibilities and higher standards than in any great changes in 
technique — rather in new ways of looking at nature than in recording 
what he saw. Two years later he took up his permanent residence in 
New York, where with the other artists he came in for his share of the 
general prosperity that resulted from the activity in all phases of life 
at the close of the war. Besides painting and selling many pictures, his 
services as an illustrator were in constant demand by the publishers. 
In 1869 he made a trip to California, his studies afterwards appearing 
as illustrations in "Picturesque America." In 1870, in company with 
Louis C. TiiYany, he made an extended trip abroad, visiting England, 
France, Spain, Alorocco, Eg}^pt, Italy and Germany. 




CHAPTER XLVI. 
A Pretty Romance of Old New Bedford. 

One of the prettiest romances recorded in the history of New Bed- 
ford was that connected with the marriage of Nathaniel Parker Willis, 
the poet, essayist, traveler and journalist, who wedded Miss Cornelia 
Grinnell, the niece and adopted daughter of Joseph Grinnell. To the 
majority of people not alone in New Bedford but throughout the coun- 
try, Willis is nothing but a shadowy memory. Willis was the Richard 
Harding Davis of a half century ago. His name was a household word, 
and extracts from his writings were quoted far and wide. All of his 
books were eagerly bought by a discriminating public. But who to-day 
reads Willis ? While his poems may have some vogue, his prose writings 
have fallen into utter oblivion. 

Willis was married to Miss Grinnell on Thursday evening, October 
I, 1846, the eleventh anniversary of his first marriage. The ceremony 
took place in New Bedford and was performed by Rev. Ephraim Pea- 
body, of Boston. Willis was at the time in his forty-first year. His bride, 
writes Professor Beers, in his biography of the poet, "was his junior 
by nearly twenty years, but she united to her graces of person and 
character a penetrating mind and an uncommon energy and firmness of 
will, which made her an invaluable helpmate through the years of trial 
that were in store for both." 

Willis had become acquainted with Miss Grinnell during the spring 
and summer preceding their marriage, while he was in Washington as 
correspondent of the "National Press" and the "Morning Chronicle." 
Mr. Grinnell was at the time congressman from this district. While it 
probably had no bearing on their courtship and marriage, there is a 
romantic story concerning Willis and Miss Grinnell which is deserving 
of narration. Mr. Grinnell was in Florence in the spring of 1830, and 
there employed Horatio Greenough, the sculptor, to make him a statue 
of his niece, then a child of five years. In 1832 Greenough carved a bust 
of Willis in marble, using, it is said, a remnant of the same block from 
which little Cornelia Grinnell's statue was made. "The two fragments 
thus strangely reunited," says Beers, "stand now in the same drawing 
room, the head of the youthful poet, with its Hyperion curls, and the 
full-length figure of the demure little Quaker maiden, holding in one 
hand a drinking cup and in the other a bird." 

Not long after his marriage, Willis and George P. Morris changed 
the name of their paper, the "National Press," to the "Home Journal," 
under which title it has ever since been published. Willis's connection 
with it terminated only with his death in 1867. He grew to be a 



NEW BEDFORD 381 

recognized arbiter clegantiarum, and his correspondence columns were 
crowded with appeals on knotty points of etiquette or costume. His 
decisions of these social problems were always marked by good sense 
and good taste. 

Willis was not a little of a dandy in his personal appearance, and 
was always pointed out as one of the best dressed of men. Charles 
Taber Congdon writes that he was wont to pace the streets of New 
Bedford "with a Pall Mall manner." 

After a residence of several years in New York City, the Willises 
bought fifty acres of land at Cornwell, in the Highlands of the Hudson, 
where the family had passed their summers. There Willis built that 
home to which he gave the famous name of Idlewild, which, like Irving's 
Sunnyside, is one of the historic points on the Hudson. The family first 
occupied it on June 26, 1853. 

Before Idlewild was built, Willis had made a journey along Cape 
Cod with Mr. Grinnell as his companion, and the letters which he wrote 
to the "Home Journal" from the various points visited, as well as from 
New Bedford, Plymouth, and elsewhere, are comprised in his "Hurry- 
graphs," a volume published by the Scribners in 1851. "All that can 
be said of these traveler's letters," comments Professor Beers, "is that 
they are fairly good reporting. They hardly attain the rank of litera- 
ture." The letters are compared with Thoreau's work on Cape Cod, 
somewhat to the disadvantage of Willis. 

But Willis's letter from New Bedford has more than a passing in- 
terest in this day and generation. "What do you think of a town," he 
asks, "in which, if the property taxed in it were equally divided, every 
man, woman and child in its population would have over Si.ooo? This 
makes a rich town (they would say in Ireland) and, in fact. New Bed- 
ford is as rich, for its population, as any town in the country. The 
taxed property this year is $17,237,400, and the whole number of in- 
habitants is but about 16,000." Continuing, this observant and fashion- 
able New Yorker speaks as follows about the peculiarity of the people : 

Luxurious as the town is now, and few and far between as are the 
Icad-rolored bonnets and drab cutaway coats, there is a strong tincture 
of Quaker precision and simplicity in the manners of the wealthier class 
in New Bedford, and among the nautical class it mixes up very curiously 
with tarpaulin carelessness and ease. The railroad which has brought 
Boston within two hours' distance, is fast cosmopolizing away the local 
peculiarities, and though at present, I think I could detect the New 
Bedford relish in almost any constant inhabitant whom I might meet 
elsewhere, they will soon be undistinguishable, probably, from other 
New Englanders. 

In this letter he speaks of the decline of the whale fishery and the 
necessity that "some new industry must be grafted on the habits of the 



382 NEW BEDFORD 

place," one, if possible, "of which the families of sailors and mechanics 
could avail themselves, independent of the precarious yield from follow- 



th 



e sea : 



This is the moral history of the establishment of the Wamsutta 
Steam Cotton Factory, which has lately been put into operation in New- 
Bedford, with a capital of $300,000, and in which a sailor's daughter, for 
example, (who else might be painfully dependent, or compelled to leave 
home and go out to service,) may earn four dollars a week by indepen- 
dent and undegrading labor. This is the average of the present earnings 
of 200 operatives in this new factory; and as the investment is already 
])roved to be a good one, other factories will doubtless be built, and the 
industry of New Bedford, turned into a new and more reliable and 
acceptable channel, will he independent of the precarious resources of 
whaling. Towns are well furnished that have controlling minds among 
their inhabitants, capable of this sort of enlarged foresight and remedy, 
to provide new conduits against their natural or accidental depletion. 
New Bedford is indebted for this to its able representative in congress, 
Hon. Joseph Grinnell. 

In the spring of 1852, Willis's health failing, he made a journey 
south with Mr. Grinnell, the trip including a visit to Bermuda and the 
West Indies. His letters to the "Home Journal" from the points visited 
were re-issued in book form as "A Health Trip to the Tropics." In July 
i860, Willis accompanied Mr. Grinnell on a journey to the west, duly 
reported, of course, for the "Home Journal." 

Willis on his frequent visits to New Bedford was wont to attend 
divine services at old Grace Church on Union street. He is remembered 
by old-time worshippers there for a habit of occupying the sermon hour 
in taking copious notes on some subject or other and in sketching, for 
which he had no slight talent. He usually sat in the Russell pew. After- 
wards, at Idlewild, he became a vestryman of a nearby Episcopal 
church and used to pass the plate on Sundays. 

Willis's life at Idlewild was that of a country gentleman, though 
he continued his connection with the "Home Journal." Most of the time 
he was in extremely poor health. At the outbreak of the Civil War 
he went on to Washington as a correspondent. Mrs. Willis and the 
five children spent the winter and spring of 1861-62 at New Bedford with 
her father. In April they rented Idlewild, and Mrs. Willis went with 
her family to pass the summer at Campton, near Plymouth. New Hamp- 
shire. In the autumn of the following year (1863) Mrs. Willis opened at 
Idlewild a little school for girls, in the hope of persuading her husband 
to leave New York (to which he had returned) and come home for life. 
"He appreciated her energy and devotion, shown through long years of 
failing health and fortune, but he doomed himself to homeless exile, and 
refused to abandon his post." 



NEW BEDFORD 



383 



The remainder of his life was a hopeless struggle with disease, and 
in November, 1866, he went home to die. He passed away January 20, 
1867, on his sixty-first birthday. He was buried in Mount Auburn, 
Cambridge. Longfellow, Holmes and Lowell were among his pall 
bearers. 

Mrs. Willis, the widow of the poet, spent her closing days in 
Washington, and died in the spring of 1904. She was buried on the 
Grinnell lot in Oak Grove cemetery. There were also four surviving 
children: Grinnell, born April 28, 1848; Lillian, born April 27, 1850; 
Edith, born September 28, 1853; and Bailey, born May 31, 1857. The 
two daughters are now Mrs. Robert A. Boit and Mrs. Lawrence L. 
Grinnell. Mother and children are among the famous Gideon Howland 
heirs who inherited the Sylvia Ann Howland trust fund upon the death of 
Mrs. Hetty H. Green. 

Our poet and annalist won the praise and appreciation of many of the 
great men of his day. Lowell wrote well of him in the "Fable for 
Critics," and Thackeray gave recognition to his graceful talent when he 
said: "It is comfortable that there should have been a Willis." 



CHAPTER XLVII. 
The Old Theatres and Famous Players. 

By Edward Denhain. 

We must bear in mind that the village of New Bedford (more fre- 
quently spoken of as Bedford) was in early days governed by Quakers 
of the rigid kind and the so-called Congregationalists, who were later 
joined by the Calvinist Baptists (the hard-shell kind). These people 
generally looked upon a playhouse as a Godless place, and would hardly 
allow a playbook in their sight. Finally, when they thawed a little, their 
entertainments were largely lectures, concerts (they called a miscellane- 
ous program of sacred music an oratorio), wax figures, panoramas and 
menageries containing two or three animals (known as caravans). These 
were given in the Town Hall (now the Central Police Station), Mr. 
Dewey's meeting house (built of wood on the northwest corner of the 
present Purchase and William streets), Mr. Holmes's meeting house 
(also of wood on the southwest corner of Purchase and Elm streets), the 
Lyceum building, the Academy Hall, hall in the school house on Pur- 
chase street, or rooms in Nelson's or Cole's tavern. 

In 1813 Samuel Elam, of Newport, Rhode Island, died, bequeathing 
his library of about one thousand volumes to the Friends' Academy of 
New Bedford. Of these, the trustees disposed of about two hundred and 
fifty as unsuitable for their institution. Among the excluded volumes 
were the plays of Shakespeare and Ben Jonson, and Bell's edition of the 
"British Poets." I have been told that later someone mutilated a number 
of the other books by cutting out paragraphs which were written in 
praise of war or were descriptive of battles, etc. As late as 1827 the trus- 
tees advertised for books missing from the collection. 

This opposition or dislike to things theatrical lasted many years, 
and is hardly dead yet. On the evening of February 2, 1857, George 
Vandenhofif, who had temporarily retired from the stage, gave an even- 
ing of miscellaneous reading before our Lyceum. On the platform was 
George Howland, Jr., as president of the society. In one of the selections 
the reader became somewhat dramatic, whereupon Mr. Howland inter- 
rupted him, saying, "This is not a theatre." Mr. Vandenhofif replied by 
reciting the reply of Jacques to the Duke, in "As You Like It" (II, 7:139- 
166), beginning with, "All the world's a stage." That was received with 
applause in which probably the broadbrims did not join. 

On the northwest corner of County and Elm streets, the site of the 
present residence of John Dufif, formerly .stood a stable. This Mr. Hians 
remodeled and opened as a circus in 1828, much to the annoyance of the 
citizens. On January 6, 1829, the "Carriers' Address" for the "New Bed- 



NEW BEDFORD 385 

ford Courier" appeared. It was written by James B. Congdon, son of the 
proprietor of the paper, and the closing lines are as follows : 

"Pray tell me if tlic coming year 
The mountebanks will reappear; 
Shall we our leisure hours to spend 
Upon their idle feats attend, 
And for excitement at a loss 
See Hians caper on a horse. 
A horse — the rival of the crew 
In skill and understanding too." 

What the building was used for during the next eight years I know 
not, but on August i, 1836, it was opened as the Lion Theatre, J. Barrett, 
manager, with the play "Castle Spectre" (by M. E. Lewis). E. L. 
Davenport, who had made his first appearance on any stage that same 
year at the Lion Theatre in Providence, and who was destined to play 
many times later in this city, took the part of Earl Percy. On the i8th 
of the same month, Charles Henry Eaton played the part of the Duke 
of Gloster in "Richard IIL," condensed into three acts. On March 28, 
1837, C. R. Goodman played "Othello" at the same theatre, and on April 
12 "Richard III." Prestnnably these were the first occasions when any 
of the plays called Shakespeare's were seen on a stage in New Bedford. 
After that the manager was obliged to close his playhouse for ten days 
because of some trouble with the selectmen of the town concerning his 
license. 

Speaking of the latter reminds me that at one time the town refused 
to grant a license to a circus ; but Dartmouth was willing to do so. The 
show was held just over our west line, and as the township was then not 
as wide as it is to-day, the tent was spread on Dartmouth street, a short 
distance from the junction of that and Allen streets. In 1840 J. F. 
Adams, having been given to understand that the Board of Selectmen 
would grant hiin a license, began to remodel Concert Hall for a theatre ; 
but they finally refused it grant it. Then the subject came up before an 
adjourned town meeting on September 14, 1840, when the citizens in- 
structed the Board of Selectmen not to grant licenses for theatrical per- 
fonnances. The vote stood twelve in favor and five hundred and sixty- 
six as opposed to granting them. It was thought that if the voting had 
not been open there would have been more favorable votes. 

On March 24, 1847, Hough's Temperance Company played "Othello" 
in Liberty Hall. J. P. Addams appeared as Othello, Mr. Anderson as 
lago, and Mrs. Hough as Desdemona. 

Here it may be well to speak of Liberty Hall. After the present 
stone Unitarian church on Union street was finished (it was dedicated 
May 24, 1834) the old meeting house (built 1795-97) ^t the corner of 
Purchase and William streets, was used for lectures, concerts, etc., and 



386 NEW BEDFORD 

usually spoken of as the old church, etc., though an unsuccessful attempt 
was made to call it "The Forum." On March 13, 1841, it was sold with 
land under and adjoining the same. Then it was named Liberty Hall. 
In March, 1846, it was fitted up as a theatre. On November 9, 1854, it 
burned down. That was the wooden structure our older citizens recall. 
On May 20, 1856, a new Liberty Hall of brick was opened on the site of 
the old one. On February 10, 1864, the interior was burned out. The 
walls were repaired as well as enlarged and the building again opened 
on December 5, 1864. That was a few years ago demolished to make 
way for the Merchants' National Bank. 

On April 26, 1852, Miss E. Kimberly played Rosalind in "As You 
Like It ;" two evenings later she played Juliet to the Romeo of Miss A. 
Hathaway. On March 11, 1853, Wyzeman Marshall played "Hamlet;" 
on the 14th, "Richard IH.," and on the 17th, "Othello." Mrs. J. P. 
Addams was his Ophelia, Queen Elizabeth and Desdemona. On July 4, 
of the same year, he appeared here as Petruchio in "Taming of the 
Shrew," while Anna Cruise played Katharina. He was here October 17, 
1856, as "Richard HL," May 22, 1861, as "Hamlet," and July 4, 1871, as 
"Petruchio." A company was here from Providence, November 28, 
1853, playing "Romeo and Juliet:" Romeo, J. D. Grace; Mercutio, W. 
C. Forbes ; Juliet, Mrs. W. C. Forbes. Bidwell & Marston's Dramatic 
Company played "Richard IH." here on February 26, 1856; Mr. Bidwell 
was the Duke of Gloster and Miss McPhetres, Queen Elizabeth. They 
played in Concert Hall, as the old Liberty Hall had been burned and 
the new one was not finished. I believe Joseph Proctor was the first to 
bring a play called Shakespeare's on that new stage. It occurred Sep- 
tember 16, 1856, when he produced "Othello," he assuming the titular 
part, with L. P. Roys as lago and Mrs. W. H. Leighton as Desdemona. 

Annie Senter was an actress who could, or would, play any line in 
the business, besides being at times a manager. On June 15, 1857, her 
troop, then called the Varieties, was here and played "Hamlet." George 
W. Jameson appeared as Hamlet, while she herself was Desdemona. 
Mrs. Henry Ferren played Katharina in "Taming of the Shrew" on Sep- 
tember 17, 1857. George Pouncefort, on May 11, 1859, played "Othello;" 
his wife playing Desdemona. E. L. Davenport on May 22, 1861, played 
"Hamlet," and the following evening, "Othello;" Miss Viola Crocker 
was his leading lady. 

Possibly the most notable event in theatrical lines in this city was 
the visit of Charlotte Cushman, who played here on four consecutive 
evenings in May, 1861. On the 28th she appeared as Lady Macbeth; J. 
B. Studley was Macbeth ; John Gilbert, first witch, and Miss Viola 
Crocker, first singing witch. On the 29th the play was "King Henry 
VII.: Miss Cushman, Queen Katharine; John Gilbert, King Henry; J. 
B. Studley, Cardinal Wolsey ; Miss Crocker, Anna Boleyn. On the even- 



NEW BEDFORD 387 

ing of the 30th, "Romeo and Juliet" was presented: Miss Cushman as 
Romeo ; Miss Crocker, Juliet ; John Gilbert, Friar Lawrence ; J. B. Stud- 
ley, Mercutio. On the next evening the "Merchant of Venice" was pro- 
duced : Miss Cushman as Portia ; Gilbert, Antonio ; Carter, Shylock ; 
Studley, Bassanio; and Miss Crocker as Nerissa. The John B. Studley 
in this company was born in Boston, where he died in 1910. At the time 
he was playing here his brother, the Rev. W. S. Studley, was the pastor 
of the County Street Methodist Church. It was said that the parson 
had never seen his brother on the stage, and the actor had never seen 
his brother in the pulpit. Edwin Booth played "Hamlet" in Liberty 
Hall on two occasions— May 26, 1868, and November 19, 1872. Another 
memorable theatrical treat was on the evening of January 8, 1869, when 
"Henry the Fourth" was produced with James N. Hackett as Sir John 
Falstaff, Louis Aldrich as Prince Hal, C. R. Thorne, Jr., as Hotspur, 
Louisa Morse as Hostess Quickly. On February 23, 1872, Mrs. Ma- 
cready played Shylock in "Merchant of Venice," and the 20th of the 
following September she played Lady Macbeth. Milnes Levick was her 
leading man. Barry Sullivan played "Richard HL," May 26, 1876. 
"Julius Caesar" was presented on November 24, 1876, with E. L. Daven- 
port as Brutus, Lawrence Barrett as Cassius, F. B. Warde as Marc An- 
tony, and E. K. Collier as Julius Caesar. Junius Brutus Booth played 
"Richard HL" on March 26, 1877. On the i6th of the next month, 
Charles Fechter appeared as "Hamlet," with Miss Lizzie Price (his wife) 
as Ophelia. His interpretation of that character, whom he represented 
as a fair-haired Dane, was somewhat diflferent from the conventional, 
and the emotions as represented by his face were marvelous. George 
Rignold, on January 30, 1876, appeared as Henry V. 

Most of the great players of contemporanous times have appeared 
at the New Bedford Theatre on Union street, and the Opera House 
which was built from Old Grace Church about thirty-five years ago, the 
theatre being built where the first "Opera House" stood. Two years ago 
the Olympia Theatre, seating 2,800 persons, was built on Purchase street. 



CHAPTER XLVIir. 
Visits of Famous Men to New Bedford. 

A King and st-veral Presidents have been New Bedford's guests. 
John Quincy Adams visited New Bedford in 1835, and also, as ex-Presi- 
dent, he was a guest of the town in 1843. Abraham Lincoln came here 
in 1848 to talk at a political meeting of Whigs, and although it is de- 
clared in the news of the day that he made a great speech, what he said 
is not preserved except in the memory of some old citizens. 

Ulysses S. Grant, while he occupied the office of President, spent a 
few hours in New Bedford in 1874, and His Majesty Kalakaua, King of 
Hawaiian Islands, and his staff, visited this city the same year. 

One of the earliest gatherings of interest was when New Bedford 
paid homage to a hero of the hour in 1813. A public dinner was given 
to Lieutenant George Parker in honor of his gallant conduct in the action 
wherein the frigate "Java" surrendered to the "Constitution." "The 
Mercury" of March 12, 1S13, says: 

"Between the hours of two and three o'clock p. m. a large and re- 
spectable concourse of citizens, attended by an excellent band of music, 
and escorted by a part of Captain Stall's artillery company, proceeded 
from Nelson's Hotel in Main street to the bridge, where they met Lieu- 
tenant Parker, accompanied by Lieutenant King. On coming off the 
bridge Lieutenant Parker was greeted with repeated cheers and escorted 
to the hall of the hotel, where an excellent repast was furnished by Mr. 
Nelson. The hall was decorated with trophies and devices emblematic 
of the occasion The party was very numerous, and hilarity and pro- 
priety marked their proceedings. 

"Among the toasts were 'Our Naval Heroes,' 'Our Gallant Tars,' 'A 
Navy to Protect Commerce and Commerce to Support a Navy,' 'Our 
Constitution — May it be as Well Managed on the Land as it has been on 
the Water,' 'A Speedy Peace with England on Equitable and Honorable 
Terms,' 'Russia Rendered Truly Great by Her Successful Opposition to 
the Destroyer of History'." 

After Lieutenant Parker retired, this toast was given: "Lieutenant 
George Parker, and his brave associates in arms ; may our country re- 
ward their services with something more substantial than Praise." Many 
excellent volunteer sentiments received the approbation of the company, 
but as they are but imperfectly recollected, it would be injustice to those 
who gave them to attempt a mutilated publication. 

The "Constitution" met H. B. M. frigate "Java" of forty-nine guns 
and manned by over four hundred men about ten leagues off the coast 
of Brazil on December 29, 1812, and the action continued one hour and 
fifty-five minutes, in which time the "Java" was made a complete wreck, 



NEW BEDFORD 389 

having her bowsprit and every mast and spar shot out of her. Com- 
mander Bainbridgc who commanded the "Constitution" was a naval 
hero classed with Hull, Decatur and Jones in the celebrations that fol- 
lowed the victory. 

Two days before the dinner in New Bedford, the citizens of Fair- 
haven gave a dinner for Lieutenant Parker at the Academy Hall. 

The announcement that "Hon. A. Lincoln" would speak in New 
Bedford during the Whig campaign of 1848, when Zachary Taylor was 
the candidate for President and Millard Fillmore for Vice-President, 
was made in "The Mercury" of September 14, 1848. Mr. Lincoln was 
then thirty-nine years old, a member of Congress from Illinois, and the 
rally at which he spoke was held in Liberty Hall. 

There is a third of a column report of the rally, one paragraph of 
which is devoted to what Mr. Lincoln said. The meeting was "large and 
enthusiastic" and after a resolution introduced by Joseph Grinnell ap- 
proving the action of the State convention, which had met at Worcester 
that week, Mr. Lincoln was introduced by J. H. W. Page, chairman of 
the executive committee. Quoting the report : 

Mr. Page, chairman of the executive committee, then introduced the 
Hon. Abraham Lincoln, member of Congress from Illinois, who had 
kindly yielded to the earnest solicitations of the committee to come from 
Worcester to address our citizens. Mr. Lincoln enchained the attention 
of a delighted audience for nearly two hours. His speech covered the 
whole ground of the national election ; and was marked by great original- 
ity, clear, conclusive, convincing reasoning, and enlivened by frequent 
flashes of genuine racy western wit. We have rarely seen a more atten- 
tive or interested audience. In fact, he took the house right between 
wind and water, and made a most admirable and effective speech, which 
cannot fail to make a lasting impression on his hearers, and to gain 
friends for that honest old man, and tried patriot, as well as soldier, 
Zachery Taylor. 

The committee deserves and will receive the thanks of the Whigs 
of New Bedford for securing the services of Mr. Lincoln. After Mr. 
Lincoln finished his address the audience gave him three hearty cheers, 
and repeated with rousing cheers for Taylor and Fillmore. 

In the fall of 1843 the Whigs of New Bedford had ex-President John 
Quincy Adams as their guest for a few days, and he spoke at a meeting 
in the Town Hall. "The Mercury," a Whig organ, had columns of 
matter endorsing Henry Clay for President, John Davis for Vice-Presi- 
dent, George N. Briggs, of Pittsfield, for Governor, and John Reed, of 
Yarmouth, for Lieutenant-Governor. The national election was a year 
ofT, but "The Mercury" and the New Bedford Whigs knew who they 
wanted as candidates. Says "The Mercury :" 

Mr. Adams arrived here from Boston on Wednesday evening, Sep- 
tember 27, 1843, "l^y t'l*^ railroad," accompanied by Peter C. Brooks. He 



390 NEW BEDFORD 

was received at the depot by the Hon. Joseph Grinnell, to whom our citi- 
zens are indebted for the occasion of his present visit to this town, accom- 
panied by a select cavalcade of about forty young men bearing torches, 
by whom he was escorted through Purchase and Union streets to the 
mansion of Mr. Grinnell in County street. This novel procession is 
spoken of by those who had the fortune to witness it as having produced 
a singularly pleasing and impressive effect, as it was certainly appro- 
priate to the eminent public services of the distinguished civilian and 
statesman in whose honor it had been unostentatiously arranged under 
the direction of Major George A. Bourne. 

The next day at noon the Town Hall "was thronged with citizens 
and strangers desirous of exchanging courtesies with the venerable ex- 
President upon his visit to this town." He was "introduced to the assem- 
bled multitude in an appropriate address by J. B. Congdon, Esq., chair- 
man of the Board of Selectmen." Of the address made by ex-President 
Adams on that occasion "The Mercury" said: "Mr. Adams's reply occu- 
pied about twenty minutes in the delivery. The prominent characteristic 
of the address was, it bore throughout the broad stamp of integrity, puri- 
ty and patriotism, mingled with occasional flashes of eloquence." 

The reporter apologized for the record of the ex-President's speech, 
and the imperfect outline presented was chiefly from memory, "assisted 
by such desultory notes as we were able to make during its delivery. 
In justice to ourself, however, we must premise that owing to the 
crowded state of the hall, the remarks of the orator were frequently in- 
audible to us, and therefore that many passages are necessarily wholly 
omitted." The following sentences from John Quincy Adams's Town 
Hall speech are good reading to-day : 

Fellow citizens, I have been long in the service of my country. In 
approaching the age of four-score, if there can be any delight in anything 
to a man, it must be in contemplating the prosperity of his country and 
in the consciousness that he had contributed his mite to that prosperity. 
I heard the declaration made by one of my countrymen, distinguished for 
his talent and eloquence, who was once an inhabitant of this town, now 
recently returned from Europe, that in his intercourse abroad, with men 
of talent and deep thinking and stores of learning, they had expressed 
the sentiment that the experiment of Republican government in this 
country was a failure. 

A failure I The experiment of Republican government a failure I I 
am not so confident that they are correct in this conclusion. There are 
three things that must concur to the success of a government. There 
must be in the first place the action of Providence, there must be the 
action of government, there must be the action of man, of the people. 
Now if the experiment of Republican government has been in this coun- 
try a failure, to what is it attributed? Is it to God? God forbid! Shall 
it ever be said that God has not done to us his part. No 1 No ! never was 
a people more favored on the face of the earth since creation. But that 
favor has not always been exhibited in the form of prosperity. Provi- 



NEW BEDFORD 



391 



dence deals not so with men. Yet the blessing of God is always upon 
man beyond his deserts. We have had desolating disease, cruel wars, 
unfortunate seasons, we have had many ills to contend with, but with all 
these the blessing has never failed, it never will fail. 

I came here not to speak to you of politics, but if the question were 
asked, "Had government done its duty?" I am very much afraid you 
would all answer, "No." But if I were to ask this assembly wherein 
government had not done its duty, I think that one portion would say 
the failure had arisen from this, that, or the other measure, and by the 
other portion that it was owing to these very same measures that it 
failed. * * * We should all agree then that the fault in the failure of the 
experiment — if it is a failure — is in the government. Now how far are 
the people responsible — right or wrong? 

I was here eight years ago and then this town of yours had not half 
the population that it now has — not half the wealth that has been drawn 
from the depths of the ocean. I say then that the experiment of a Re- 
publican government has not failed. Let the European men of learning 
who have concluded that the experiment of a Republican government 
in this country is a failure, let them show the spot on the face of this 
earth which has failed so successfully. I have witnessed it heretofore — I 
now witness it. 

Daniel Webster's visit to New Bedford was for business, and 
although he was a great man then, it does not appear that he was either 
dined or wined. Charles T. Congdon, in his reminiscences, has preserved 
the record of Mr. Webster's visit as follows : 

It was during my school days that I first saw and heard a great man, 
known afterwards as "the expounder of the constitution," and character- 
ized by his more enthusiastic admirers as "the godlike." In some re- 
spects he was not unlike some of the gods mentioned in Lempriere's 
"Classical Dictionary ;" but the title was not a fortunate one, and his 
political opponents made graceless jokes upon it. 

When I first saw Daniel Webster he was about fifty years old, and 
in the full perfection of that manly beauty which made him, of all the 
public men of his time, the noblest model for sculptors and the fittest 
subject for painters, before the art of portraiture was so nearly lost. He 
had not then been broken by disappointment nor bowed by hard work. 
Every movement of his imposing figure, every glance of his eye, every 
expression of his countenance, betrayed a consciousness of power, of un- 
daunted confidence in his own intellectual abilities. He was employed 
in a somewhat singular case, and came to our town to argue it. A young 
man of fortune, who had killed himself by hard drinking, had, before his 
death, given a number of promissory notes, the payment of which was 
disputed by the executor for whom Mr. Webster was retained. The 
trial created great public interest, and the court room was crowded to 
repletion. 

Mr. Webster was at that time the most popular man m Massachu- 
setts ; his noble speech in the Senate, made in 1830— perhaps the noblest 
which he had ever uttered— was still freshly remembered. I believe 
that there was nothing which he could then have asked of his fellow 
citizens in his adopted State, which they would not gladly have granted 



392 NEW BEDFORD 

him — either office, money, or the most complete deference to his opinions. 
When he is charged with arrogance and with a spirit of dictation, I think 
that this should be considered. The feeling which led Massachusetts, 
solitary and alone, to give him her electoral vote in 1836, changed very 
slowly, but alas! very surely, as questions came up which tested so 
severely his statesmanship and political integrity. But at the time of 
which I am writing, he was the idol of the Massachusetts people. So 
my chance of getting into the court room to hear his argument was very 
limited, but his of getting in to make it, at one moment, did not seem to 
be much better. I was just behind him, and remember how I gazed with 
reverence at the two brass buttons upon the back of his blue coat. 

I recall nothing of his argument save one eftective point which he 
made. A witness for the plaintiff, who was also a partner in the alleged 
conspiracy to defraud the maker of the notes, had been compelled to 
admit, under Mr. Webster's rigorous cross-examination, that they had 
agreed to fling their chances together. When he came to this point in his 
speech to the jury, the orator's eyes flashed, his nostrils dilated, while, 
with a significant gesture and in a loud voice, he exclaimed, "They agreed 
to fling their chances together ; and they would be flung together out of 
any court of justice in Christendom." 

I recall an anecdote of Mr. Webster connected with this very trial, 
which was told me by Charles Henry Warren, who was associated with 
him in the case. There had been so much delay in its progress that Mr. 
Webster, who wanted to be back in Boston to entertain a dinner party 
upon a day which had I)een fixed, lost his patience and repeatedly de- 
clared that he would not augue the case at all. They went home to din- 
ner, during which Mr. Webster remained silent and gloomy. At the end 
of the repast, he came back to the subject. "Tell your client, Mr. War- 
ren," he said, "that I shall not argue this case." Then the blood of all 
the Warrens, which was quite as good as the blood of all the Websters, 
was aroused. "Mr. Webster," said the judge, "my client is your client, 
and if you have any messages to send to him, you may send them by your 
own bootblack." Mr. Webster gave a great start, looked fiercely into 
the fire for about ten minutes, and then, jumping up, with a smile, said, 
"Charley, isn't it about time to go into court?" And into the court they 
went, and Mr. Webster did stay to argue the case, and won it, though the 
verdict was afterwards set aside. 

When President U. S. Grant visited New Bedford, August 31, 1874, 
he came from Martha's Vineyard on steamer "Monohansett." He had 
visited the camp grounds at Hj-annis and Oak Bluft's and also Nantucket. 
He went from New York to Newport by steamer, and there Mayor Rich- 
mond and several members of the New Bedford committee on reception 
joined the party to make arrangements for his visit to this city. 

Alderman Joseph R. Read and Councilman Rufus A. Soule went to 
the Vineyard on Sunday to return with the President's party Monday, 
and salutes were fired from the fort on Clark's Point and on Merrill's 
Wharf. The "Mercury's" record of the events includes the following 
paragraphs : 



NEW BEDFORD 393 

The trip to the boat (at the Vineyard) was most unostentatious, the 
party taking a horse car to the camp meeting landing, where a small 
crowd of people were in waiting, and who received their chief with 
cheers. The party was made up of the President and wife. General Bab- 
cock and wife, the Misses Barnes and Campbell, Bishop Haven and Dr. 
Tiffany, with his wife, two sons and a daughter. Postmaster-General 
Jewell withdrew from the party early in the morning on account of 
urgent business at Washington. Nothing worthy of mention occurred 
on the voyage here, the President spending most of his time in social 
conversation or in making his autograph for several young ladies on 
board. During a portion of the trip he occupied the wheel house. 

The boat came into the harbor shortly after 11 o'clock, and her 
appearance was the signal for a salute from the fort on Clark's Point. 
Sergeant Bradford fired them without assistance, having previously 
loaded sufficient guns, and merely having to jump from one to another. 
In a moment more Fort Phoenix commenced to salute, and as the 
steamer passed Palmer's Island, another was begun by Lieutenant Fish- 
er's light artillery stationed on Merrill's Wharf. 

The President was met on the wharf by Mayor Richmond, Aldermen 
Knowles and Kilburn, and Councilmen Benjamin, Thayer and Tucker. 
There was a parade to City Hall, Edwin Dews being chief marshal, S. 
C. Hart and J. L. Gilman aides, the City Guards, Captain D. A. Butler, 
Posts I and 146 formed a hollow square as a bodyguard for the Presi- 
dent's carriage. 

The Schouler Guards also took part in the procession. The bands 
were Smith's American, Israel Smith, leader, and the New Bedford 
band, George Hill, leader. Two hours after landing, the party arrived at 
City Hall, where the reception was held and two thousand people shook 
the hand of the President. During the reception the New Bedford band 
played, and the reporter records that "they were highly complimented 
by General Babcock, who pronounced their selections the best he had 
ever heard for hall music from a brass band." 

"There was no cheering at the wharf or on the passage through the 
streets, which were lined with people," says "The Mercury." "Flags and 
handkerchiefs were moved everywhere and on several occasions bou- 
quets were thrown to the President. He gracefully acknowledged the 
gift of a beautiful bouquet thrown to him by the little daughter of Mr. 
Cook at the corner of Fourth and Bush streets. Thomas W. Macomber, 
of Hill street, gave him a very handsome bouquet." After dinner at 
the Parker House, President Grant left on a special train for Fall River 
to return to New York by boat. 

His Majesty, David Kalakaua, King of the Hawaiian Islands, arrived 
in this city Thursday morning, December 31, 1874, and proceeded at once 
to rooms prepared at the Parker House. "The Mercury" reporter de- 
scribed his quarters as follows : 



394 NEW BEDFORD 

The rooms assig-ned to the King at the Parker House are in the 
northwest corner of the second story-, and are elegantly fitted up with 
handsome furniture from the establishment of E. E. Hitch & Co. Mr. 
L. B. Ellis has kindly loaned a number of paintings by New Bedford 
artists for the decoration of the walls. Among them are: "After the 
Storm," by C. H. GifTord ; "Birch Trees," by L. D. Eldred ; "City of New 
Bedford," by William Wall; "Coast Scene," by Edmund Rodman; 
"Moonlight," by Arthur Cumming ; "The Greek Water Carrier," by J. O. 
Eaton ; "Rock Study," by Gabriella T. Eddy ; "Sand Hills at Horseneck," 
by W. Ferdinand Macy; "Shores Scene," by R. N. Crowell ; "Coast of 
Labrador," by William Bradford ; "Landscape," by Clement N. Swift. 

There was no formal ceremony on the arrival of the party at the 
Parker House. The King was received by Mayor George B. Richmond, 
and presented to a few gentlemen and ladies who happened to be present. 
The party then took supper and were left in quietness. 

The members of the royal party were: King Kalakaua, Hon. E. H. 
Allen, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and Chancellor of the King; 
His Excellency John O. Dominis, Governor of Oahu ; His Excellency 
John M. Kapena, Governor of Maine ; Colonel W. M. Wherry, United 
States Army; Lieutenant Commander W. H. Whiting, United States 
Navy; Lieutenant George M. Totten, United States Navy; Lieutenant 
Aulick Palmer, United States Marines ; three servants. 

Aldermen Read and Buckminster, Councilmen Soule, Brown, Swift 
and Damaron, were the reception committee of the city council, and Fri- 
day, with City Marshal Frost, the royal party visited the Potomska 
Mills, and a reception was held at the residence of Mayor Richmond, 
previous to a public gathering at City Hall and a dinner at the Parker 
House. At Mayor Richmond's home a large number of ship masters 
who had visited the Sandwich Islands on their cruises were presented to 
the King. 

At the City Hall meeting the King did not make a speech as he was 
suffering from a cold. Chief Justice Allen responded for him, and he 
spoke of the intimate relations that always existed between the Sand- 
wich Islands and New Bedford. "New Bedford men who have never 
seen Sandwich Islands are well known there," he said. "The name- of 
Howland, Tucker, Parker, Swift and Perry are as household words." 
The King and his party left the city during the afternoon. 

In recent years Grover Cleveland frequently slipped to New Bedford 
for a brief visit when he made his summer home in Marion. He was 
entertained at a clambake given here the summer following his second 
term as President, and among the visitors in his party was Admiral 
"Bob" Evans. Ex-Presidents Taft and Roosevelt have made addresses 
in the city within a few years. 



CHAPTER XLIX. 
The Final Chapter. 

In the preceding chapters we have recorded the enterprise and suc- 
cess of the men of New Bedford in amassing wealth in two great indus- 
tries, in each of which the city attained first rank. 

It is our pleasure to relate in this closing chapter the generosity and 
sacrifices of the people in giving of service and money for their country 
when the demand came. If this history had been printed a year ago, it 
would have lacked a feature which is the proudest chapter in the city's 
record. "When the hour of trouble comes," wrote Scott, the novelist, 
"it is not what we have done for ourselves, but what we have done for 
others that we think on most pleasantly." 

At the outbreak of the war the Committee of One Hundred, Thomas 
S. Hathaway, chairman, took up the active work of caring for the fami- 
lies of the men who went to the war, and this committee rendered other 
public service of an important nature. 

Red Cross activities were taken up by many societies, and the people 
at large, and the heirs of Frederick Grinnell placed the great stone man- 
sion on County street at the disposal of the organization as headquarters. 

Next came the calls for enlistments and then for contributions to one 
fund after another. In every instance the citizens went beyond the allot- 
ment of service required of them. At the time of writing the last chapter 
the work is incomplete, but the statistics of ten months' service is avail- 
able. 

In all over 3,500 young men have entered the United States army and 
navy service as follows: Army recruiting, 1,300; naval reserve forces, 
1,000; G Company, 55; Battery D, Fort Banks, 150; Battery D, France, 
200; drafted men, 900. 

On the first issue of Liberty bonds. New Bedford took up a subscrip- 
tion d $5,000,000. On the second issue the subscription aggregated 
$7,500,000. The city has contributed to the Young Men's Christian Asso- 
ciation war work fund, $155,000; to the Red Cross, $162,850; Knights of 
Columbus, $65,600; Jewish Relief, $30,000; Halifax Relief, $20,000; 
Armenian-Syrian Relief, $10,000; Battery D, France, $675; British Re- 
lief, $5,584; Library fund, $5,544; Salvation Army, $5,000; Committee of 
One Hundred, $3,281 ; Belgian Relief, $3,000 ; Battery D, Fort Banks, 
$2,091 ; Draft Army fund, $1,500; Naval Reserve equipment, $950; Italian 
Relief, $865; Red Star, animal, $689; Draft recreation, $500; Fort Getty, 
$116; tobacco for soldiers, $670. 



396 



NEW BEDFORD 



In addition the Red Cross has furnished 300,000 surgical dressings, 
5,800 hospital garments, 10,000 sweaters and knitted articles, as well as 
many miscellaneous articles, and raised a local membership of 35,000. 

New Bedford is manifesting the same spirit and enterprise in giving 
that it devoted to accumulating, and is looking to further service to the 
Nation in whatsoever form the call may come. 







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